So much to do, so little time

COUNTRY: Maldives
PROGRAM: UniBreak
PROJECT: Teaching & Community Healthcare
WRITTEN BY: Erin Smith

With the countdown showing just over a week left, we are frantically trying to cram in every last project we want to do.

Last weekend was an eventful one. We began by adventuring off to an uninhabited island on Thursday night and swimming back to shore on Friday morning. The weather that day was awful - it rained intermittently all night long. Unfortunately the surroundings weren't the pristine beaches we had hoped for either. As the waste and rubbish issue continues to be an alarming problem for this water bound country, areas not even inhabited by people are becoming more and more polluted. Overall however, we had a very exciting night, learning new skills and a new appreciation for our beautiful beaches back home.

It is also safe to say we have formed great relationships with one another as we helped each other through the night. The following day we were extremely grateful to be shown around the Military Base in Gan, the capital of Addu City. We were picked up by a troop mover and guided through the atoll, stopping at the Forces mosque and graveyards. After arriving, many officers joined us and took us on a reef walk where we found puffer fish, star fish and an octopus. On our way back we planted coconut trees on the base - our very own contribution to the environment.

This week has been another great week with extra activities. Swimming lessons have continued and already progress is evident. With some volunteers doing two sessions a day, those who are confident in the water can extend their skills, and those who aren't have someone to work with one on one. For most people, it has become our favourite part of the day. Rowing is also continuing, with both Cait and Phoebe joining in as the rowers prepare for a big competition in the next few weeks.

This week, we were lucky enough to be given the opportunity to scuba dive. Those of us who chose to participate experienced an entire day of learning scuba diving skills and going on dives on all types of reefs. It was such an incredible experience and we can now say we have dived on some of the best reefs in the world.

On Sunday afternoon, after school, we had our very own Australia Day celebration. One of our extremely creative volunteers, Georgia had brought hundreds of supplies including face paint, balloons, hair chalk, stickers, tattoos and so much more. We therefore spent the afternoon with nearly 200 children and parents, running activities, playing cricket and all round having an amazing time. It was an extremely exhausting yet rewarding afternoon in that we were able to bring the community together in such a large, positive way.

On Tuesday we were honoured to meet the Mayor of Hithadhoo. We spent the meeting talking about everything we have been involved with in the community and everything we still have left to achieve. He thanked us all for giving up our time and reinforced his gratitude for the Antipodeans Abroad Hithadhoo program.

The volunteers at the hospital have had a very exciting week. At the start of the week there was an outbreak of sickness among the children on the island and the hospital was extremely busy with around 60-70 cases. Later on an interesting case presented itself when a young girl with epilepsy was admitted along with her mother who was suffering from Eclampsia. They are both in the capable hands of the staff and our Antips volunteers. On Thursday they will travel to a local island not connected to Hithadhoo to asses their facilities and to offer any aid they can.

School continues as usual, however the number of days we have left are limited! Thursday is a half day for some as we venture out to teach preschool teachers vital first aid skills. In the afternoon we will participate in a public beach clean-up to encourage the locals to dispose of waste responsibly. On Monday everyone will be traveling to another island called Feydhoo to visit another school and then Wednesday is our final day! Everyone who has been involved with teaching are always coming home with exciting stories of their day - achievements with students who've been struggling or successful class lessons. It will be very bittersweet when the time does come for us to leave, however we can't help but feel proud of the time we have spent here.

Sunday is a public holiday and so we will be involved with a totally different project. Both Georgia and myself were fortunate enough to have funds donated to contribute to the community while here. Unfortunately the children's ward at the regional hospital is empty bar a few beds and equipment. This Sunday we will run a painting workshop where all 14 of us will decorate and paint the entire ward. As many volunteers also brought along pencils, colouring and reading books, we will build a bookcase to accommodate these and their supplies will be donated here as well. With the remaining money we will be able to purchase much needed medical equipment such as thermometers and scales. For me personally, this is my most anticipated project yet.

Until next time.