The seven weeks that I have spent in Klibur Domin (KD), Timor-Leste, was nothing short of memorable and humbling. Prior to the commencement of my volunteering, Ryder Cheshire Australia (RCA) liaised with KD and drafted some tasks which I could possibly assist with, based on my work experiences. I also had the opportunity to speak to a recently returned volunteer, to understand better the environment and hear about his experiences. These helped me to know what to expect and prepare myself mentally. 

At KD, I spent most of my time helping out with administrative tasks including the drafting of finance reports, reviewing policies and editing documents written in English.

With my academic background in psychology and some research, I gave a brief presentation on the mental health landscape in Timor-Leste, and  basic information about a few mental illnesses, which some of the residents in Uma Barbara suffer from, to a group of nursing students who were doing their practicum in KD, and some KD staff. 

I particularly enjoyed my time out of the office interacting with the residents of Uma Barbara, guiding them in doing simple craft activities, drawing, blowing bubbles, or just simply chatting with them. 

Although mostly involved in administrative tasks, I learned so much about KD’s work from the staff in the Community Based Rehabilitation and Tuberculosis Teams which head out to the communities regularly for advocacy work and to identify people in need of medical attention. 

It was always heart-warming to hear about and to see how the conditions of certain individuals, especially the children, improve after undergoing physiotherapy in KD and for them to be able to return home and reunite with their families. 

It was easy to settle in at KD as the staff were all very friendly. They were always more than willing to share their experiences, which left me feeling so inspired, and encouraging me whenever I attempted to converse with them in Tetum.

It was sad to bid farewell at the end of my short seven weeks. I am thankful to RCA and KD for the opportunity to volunteer, giving me not only a memorable and an inspiring experience, but also new friends whom I would very much like to meet again.

Pie volunteered at Klibur Domin in 2017