Lisa Fedrick is currently out in Bangladesh
My name is Lisa Fedrick and I am a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) from Brisbane, Australia.
Earlier this year I was talking to a colleague (an Occupational Therapist) about volunteering. I had never worked as a volunteer before, and was researching volunteer programmes in Africa and Eastern Europe. My colleague asked me ‘Have you thought about Bangladesh?’
I thought about it for a moment and replied ‘Bangladesh? I don’t even know where that is!’
I discovered that my colleague had worked as a CRP volunteer last year. She told me all about the people, services and achievements of CRP. Speech and Language Therapy is a relatively new profession in Bangladesh, and I wondered whether I might be able to contribute clinical skills and knowledge to help the development of the SLT department. It sounded like a terrific challenge. I decided to go and experience CRP for myself.
I have enjoyed teaching SLT students at BHPI and supervising SLTs working with adults with communication and swallowing disorders. The opportunity to work with such dedicated, hard working and passionate staff in an often challenging clinical environment has been a rewarding and encouraging experience.
CRP is an extraordinary place. I have been made to feel most welcome here. Each day I am encouraged to see people achieving so much with so little, developing innovative ways to overcome disability.
I would like to thank everyone at CRP for extending such a gracious welcome, especially to Valerie Taylor, whose compassionate leadership and encouragement is an inspiration to all.
Amy Fewtrell is planning to go to CRP Bangladesh in October for 3 months she is a
Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist currently working inBasildon Hospital. Watch this space for news on how her preparation is going and she promises to keep facebook informed on how she is getting on when she gets there!!
Jean Ward is an experienced volunteer who has been back to CRP may times. Planning to go later this year, we look forward to hearing how she gets on this time.