Murdoch University students set up health clinics in rural Laos

COUNTRY: Laos
PROGRAM: UniBreak Groups
PROJECT: Murdoch Nursing & Midwifery
WRITTEN BY: Murdoch University

Sabaai dii… Hello!

Week three saw us stay in the purpose built dorms in Ban Napho. We arrived to a lovely reception from the village and enjoyed performances by the local Laos dancing group as well as songs, games and more dancing. Monday was a very busy day with us conducting two clinics before spending time with villagers to discuss the needs of the community.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday we conducted more health clinics with a ceremony on Thursday afternoon with the District governor, government officals and village chief.

After the official proceedings our group was very pleased to donate the unused medications and three big bags of medical supplies to the district as well as present some gifts to the health care workers that had been working with us at each clinic. This was followed by a huge spread of amazing Laos food and some beerlao to celebrate the great partnership.

On Friday with a mix of sadness and excitement we packed our bags and were again treated to a Basi Su Khouan ceremony and many of us are still proudly wearing our cotton arm bands received during the ceremony.

In the afternoon we headed to the sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves, a place of significant cultural importance to those who follow buddhism follwed by a Mekong River Cruise back to our hotel. In the evening we shared our last Laos meal together at Utopia before shopping at the beautiful night markets. Saturday we headed for Luang Prabang airport and were farewelled by the wonderful guides from Buffalo tours.

Team Murdoch is now home and settling back into our lives. Its been a hectic week back in oz with many of our group attending interviews for our 2013 grad programs.

Its been an amazing trip, we have seen and done so much and we are all a little sad its over. Team Murdoch boosts a unique group of special people and we are honoured to have had this experience together. We have many people to thank and recommend the experience 100%.