Breast-cancer-awareness-campaign
Published on: 01 Mar 2017

Breast cancer and Infectious diseases awareness Campaign

Public health and medical care team, 2 international and 2 local health volunteers from Volunteers Initiative Nepal has organized a Infectious diseases and breast cancer awareness  campaign in Kavresthali community. International volunteers Rachana and Taryn, local volunteers Debaki and Anjita facilitated the campaign. This breast cancer awareness campaign along with Infectious diseases campaign was focused in 2 wards (4 & 6) in Kavresthali where ward four has seven different communities and ward six has five different communities. They delivered two workshops (1) Diarrhea and Infection Disease Prevention and (2) Breast Cancer Awareness including self -breast exams. There were 15 participants in Karki thok and 12 each in Thumki, Kaure and Thali gaun.
Volunteers were excited about this campaign and they said it was a great experience to organize the campaigns.
“We have done 4 such public health and medical care awareness  campaigns  so far in the different communities and the women have been very receptive. Most of them knew about the major causes of diarrhea, but we made sure to emphasize the details they might not have known. The community health workers seemed to have a good amount of knowledge about diarrhea and the proper hand washing techniques, along with basics of public health, which is great.
The women seemed to especially appreciate learning more about breast cancer since it seemed like they didn’t have much knowledge about it or how to do the breast exam. Some women were a bit shy to do the exam but we tried to get them to participate and practice it.”
At thumki – All participants were engaged and enthusiastic. They already had good knowledge on hand washing and were able to demonstrate without being prompted. During the brainstorming session the causes of diarrhea suggested by the participants were not eating contaminated food that is rotten or has had flies, not drinking contaminated water and not washing hands. There was not much understanding on food safety apart from covering the food from flies so this may be a good area of focus for that community in future. One of the participants said that her aunt had died of breast cancer. When the women were asked for feedback they would like mobile health camps for breast cancer screening, eye testing etc. in future.
At Karkithok– The participants had heard of one local lady who had suffered from breast cancer and had to get a breast cancer removed and a lady had shared that she had breast pain however had been to the doctor and everything was fine. We emphasized the symptoms of breast cancer and the importance of seeing a doctor if women are unsure. When the women were asked for feedback they would like more health workshops.
At Kaure-   A few women were concerned with pain in the breast from working in the field. We told them that this was most likely not breast cancer because it’s generally painless but if they are concerned then they should see a doctor.  One woman said that she gets pain right before menstruation.  We told her that this is normal for woman during menstruation. The women discussed breast cancer among themselves for a long time during the discussion phase of the presentation and it was great to see that the woman felt comfortable to talk about female issues. When asked for feedback, the women would like more health programs and a health program on cervical cancer.
At Thaligaun- We found out that half of the women treat their water and the other half don’t. The women were asking a lot of questions about breast cancer. We examined the breasts of one lady who wanted us too. She had a scar on her breast, however she said she has had that since birth and everything seemed normal.
It was found that 51 women were benefited from the campaign organized by VIN’s public health team. The campaign was largely effective to disseminate the information about infectious diseases and breast cancer. Moreover women would got the opportunity to learn about the self-breast examinations. Breast cancer awareness campaign has always been one of the major issue in the marginalized communities of Nepal.
 

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Your Experience/Setting

On arrival you will be greeted at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and transported to your hotel / hostel (alternative arrangements can be made for those already in Nepal prior to the start of their placement). You will then receive a comprehensive a two to three-day induction, during that time you will be provided with information about your particular project as well as general information, including basic Nepalese language and culture, health and safety. This is also a good time to mix with other volunteers or interns who may be great sight-seeing companions and a source of support during your volunteer placement.

During the induction you will be accommodated in a budget hotel or hostel at VIN. However, a large part of the VIN experience comes from the immersion of a

home stay with a Nepalese host family. While this is an essential part of the experience we also recognize that it can be a challenging one, becoming part of a new culture and becoming accustomed to facilities that will be more basic than those you are used to. However, all our host families are experienced in accommodating volunteers – although their ability to speak English will vary – and you will have 24 hours’ access to contact and support from our staff members during your placement.

Volunteers will be placed in one of VIN’s working areas namely Tarakeshor Municipality of Kathmandu, Taluwa, Thulachhap and Bhadaure of Okhaldhunga, and Okharpouwa, Kaule of Nuwakot district. While at the working site the volunteers are requested to bring their own lunch, water bottle, safety gears, face mask and other essential belongings. As a volunteer you are advised to be in a comfortable and modest attire with preferably long sleeves. If you wish to raise project funds or collect project specific resources, you may contact us.

Requirements

  • Gender: Female / Male
  • Minimum Age: 18+ years (16-17 years old person can volunteer but need to present parents’ consent letter)
  • Language: English (Intermediate)
  • Educational: High School Graduate

Schedule and Commitment

You will work five to six days a week, up to six hours per day. You may propose your preferred time and hours; however, the working time period will be dependent on the institution you have been placed. A minimum of 2 weeks’ time commitment is expected of a volunteer. The longer you commit, the better impact you can make. You should be willing to commit a certain amount of your free time and energy, show a lot of commitment and be a good listener. You are expected to work constructively and co-operatively maintaining good reputation and standards at all times. Volunteer should abide by relevant security concerns and access procedures. Moreover, you should be receptive and positive to performance appraisal, advice and feedback. Throughout your placement you will have the full support of VIN. Your safety is our highest priority.

Mentoring and Support System

You will receive a clear and concise on-the-job instructions, course of action, context of work and policies/strategies before your placement begins. You will be

provided with ample of guidance and support throughout the placement with trainings / onboarding sessions incase necessary. You will be in a constant communication and regular check-in with the VIN volunteer coordinator. VIN aims to maintain a culture of continuous feedback between the volunteer supervisor at the placement to monitor the performance of the volunteer and ensure the project delivers desired outcomes.

In case of an emergency, you may contact one of our Volunteer Coordinators who will be available anytime for your assistance and support.

Time and Fees

Mid and Long Term Volunteers:
  • 2 weeks minimum stay- € 385
  • 3 weeks – 470€
  • 4 weeks – 555€ (after 4 weeks for each additional week we charge €75)
University Internships:
  • 4 weeks minimum stay- € 615 (for each additional week we charge €85)

What VIN offers you in return?

  • On Arrival orientation (two to three days)
  • Food and Accommodation during on arrival orientation at VIN’s hostel / budget hotel on sharing basis
  • Food and Accommodation during Placement: Nepali Standard local host family – 3 meals a day
  • Transportation: Airport pick up; one time transport to and from the project site
  • Local volunteers’ support cost (optional)
  • VIN T-shirt
  • Certificate of participation
  • 24 hours emergency support
  • VIN admin cost.

What is excluded? Airfare, VISA (http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa), vaccinations, travel & medical insurance, return airport transfer, personal travel and weekend activities expenses etc.

Desirable/ Common Skills 

  • Excellent communicator with good interpersonal skills
  • A team player with good work ethics
  • Time management and leadership qualities
  • Adaptable, flexible and able to work under pressure
  • Accepting of different ideas and culture
  • Problem solving: always be part of solutions than part of a problem
  • Creative