Medical Outreachers Australia - Community Outreach

The outreaches were special in that we were able to visit a variety of places including a school, orphanage, and rehabilitation centre. This gave us an opportunity to meet many people from different demographics. My favourite memory is definitely of playing with the children at the orphanage. They’re extremely energetic and it was certainly tiring but their joy is contagious and their smiles touch everyone’s hearts. This experience gave me a better idea of the healthcare setting in rural Sri Lanka and made me more aware of how culture and environment significantly impact health. I was also able to witness the groundwork that is being done in schools, orphanages, and correction centres around Galle and understand how these facilities are benefitting people of many ages and backgrounds. Some aspects were challenging - it was difficult to navigate the language barriers, and many of the people’s circumstances affected me emotionally as well. Still, it is so worthwhile to just be there with people and love on them.