September News From The UK

Volunteers
The Valerie Taylor Trust plays a vital role in sending volunteers to CRP. This section will be profiling some of the many that go to Bangladesh from the UK. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or have recently returned from CRP then please get in touch

Over the years, CRP has benefited greatly from the input of volunteer workers from Bangladesh and overseas. There are two categories of volunteer: long-term volunteers, who often come to work at their chosen profession e.g. physiotherapists, and short-term volunteers, who perform a wide variety of jobs.

Long-term volunteers
There is a great need for trained physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists to work at CRP. If coming for a longer period (six months or more), it would be desirable to have at least two years’ post graduate experience. The need is greatest in the Bangladesh Health Professions Institute where experience therapists are required to train students and supervise placements. Lecturing experience is not required and all courses are taken in English. Student placements are located in CRP, hospitals in Dhaka and elsewhere in Bangladesh.

Short-term Volunteers
Short-term volunteers work in any department at CRP. Usually, a volunteer will have special interests or skills which lead him or her to work in a specific area. However, the need to be flexible and use one’s initiative is very important. For prospective short-term volunteers it should be stressed that there are very many mundane tasks to be done at CRP. The joy of working at CRP comes not from the task itself, but rather, from the reason for performing that task.

Five days a week there are sports activities for patients in the afternoon. This is popular among volunteers who help organising different games, and often participate themselves. Activities include wheelchair basketball, archery, darts and skittles.

Secure accommodation on CRP premises is provided at minimal cost for the duration of a volunteer’s stay at CRP. For short-term volunteers this will be in the CRP Guest House where there are single or double rooms. Double rooms will usually be shared with another volunteer. Shared cooking facilities and bathroom are available on both floors of the Guest House. If staying for more than six months at CRP there are flats to rent on the premises. Again, these will usually be shared with other volunteers. Conditions in both the Guest House and the flats are basic by European standards. Electricity and cold running water are provided. Meals can be ordered for a minimal cost. Most volunteers order lunch and make their own dinner and breakfast.

Excursions to places of interest are often arranged for volunteers, either with patients, staff or as a group of volunteers. To help prospective volunteers get a realistic idea of what living and working at CRP is really like, we have compiled a selection of reports from returned volunteers.

Firuz Carmelia Isa is preparing to go to CRP in the near future. She writes:

“I wanted to go to CRP because I have always felt a deep connection to Bangladesh and its peole. I am studying occupational therapy and I chose to do my fieldwork at CRP due to its status as a recognizable institution which is one of its kind in the country. I hope to learn as much as I can on the work of an OT in a country like Bangladesh and I hope to go away feeling that I have helped many people and that the people have helped me become a better therapist.”

We wish Firuz good luck and look forward to hearing how she gets on.

If you would like more information on Volunteering visit www.crp-Bangladesh.org

The New Web site!
The Centre for the Rehabilitation of the paralysed Has launched its new look website!! Take a look at www.crp-bangladesh.org. News of the launch of the new look Valerie taylor Trust site will follow shortly – WATCH THIS SPACE !!

Two amazing fundraising and Awareness Raising Trips to inspire you…

Mohoram Ali
A well known face of the CRP family, Mr. Mohoram Ali has embarked on a world tour in his wheelchair to address the issue of World disability Fund and to raise awareness about the rights of the people with disability.

The journey started on Saturday 25th June, 2011 from Central Shaheed Minar, Dhaka. He will reach Washington DC after travelling across 3 continents and 16 countries for a total distance of 18,700 kilometres. His effort will not only create mass awareness about the rights of the people with disability throughout the world but also set an example to everyone that, with determination and courage, no barrier should stand in the way of chasing a dream.
Currently just about to reach Poland you can follow his progress on Facebook.com/groups/mohoramwheels

We congratulate Mr. Mohoram Ali on this wonderful and remarkable initiative and wish him great success in this endeavour.

Peter Donnelly
Congratulations are extended to Peter Donnelly, who has safely completed his fantastic ‘Roll Back Home’ after a journey from CRP via Nepal, China, Russia, and across Europe in his wheelchair. He recently visited the Spinal Injuries Unit at Southport to give a presentation on his journey.
Donations via JustGiving are still coming in but, so far, over £3000 has been donated. It is Peter’s wish that all these donations will help to fund the CRP – Moulvibazar Project near Sylhet.