Volunteer Stories

"We were staying and working in the mountain villages in Malabe and Lauana, which was an unforgettable memory. It was incredibly peaceful and the people were so friendly and lovely. Conducting 'school screening', or check-ups in the classroom, was a memorable experience. The children and teachers were very enthusiastic and delightful."

Dentist Volunteer - Kelly Chau

Read the full story

"The highlight for me was the team of people that we got to work with, the different perspectives, sharing the days' stories and learning about the way of the world in East Timor, and of course, learning the language badly."

Dentist Volunteer - Maria Chan

Read the full story

"Last February was the second time I attended the Equal Health Camp to India as a nurse. It was such an honour to be able to provide a medical service to a community that struggles to get good health care, so I jumped at the opportunity to do so again this year."

Registered Nurse - Lynette Cheverall

Read the full story

"One funny memory was after pulling out 'umpteen' teeth in kids about five to seven years of age, who were unbelievably well-behaved and stoic, we did a topical fluoride on a six year old who promptly burst into tears and left sobbing her heart out! Another funny memory was the teacher who was upset after we checked her teeth and gave her an adult toothbrush - she wanted a Barbie one! Last funny memory - after working on all these people who had never had a filling, with no equipment, no drills or anything, we had a guy walk in with a perfect amalgam who wanted it changed for a 'white one'!"

Dentist Volunteer - Chris Snell

Read the full story

"My first impression of East Timor was shock and disbelief ... the conditions that the local people live and work in every day. However, there were many highlights and favourite memories of my time in East Timor: Timor Leste, the people and the mountains. It was amusing to have an elderly man with a good amalgam filling want it changed for a white filling! Needless to say, there were a lot more important jobs to do."

Dental Assistant Volunteer - Tracey Doble

Read the full story

"The most significant experience I had on that first trip was meeting Manik, a 9 year old boy with cerebral palsy who had been living at Anandaniketan for 6 years and spent most of that time lying in bed. While at Anandaniketan I was able to work with Manik everyday and show his carers that he could actually sit independently for short periods, finger feed him self, reach and manipulate objects, smile and laugh; things his carers did not know he could do! It was this experience with Manik that showed me just how much occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech pathologists could do at Anandaniketan."

Occupational Therapist Volunteer - Gillian

Read the full story

"I've always wanted to do volunteer work overseas, and when I heard about Equal Health it seemed like the perfect opportunity for me to realise a life ambition.

My first camp with Equal Health was in February 2007 to West Bengal, India. After a day in Kolkata that introduced me to the chaos, poverty and joy of India (not to mention the experience of being on roads with no rules!), we headed north by train to Katwa. In Katwa I was based at Anandaniketan, a residential home for orphans, and children and adults with disabilities, mental health issues or homelessness. Our greeting at the train station and then back at Anandaniketan was overwhelming. The residents and staff had obviously been preparing and looking forward to our arrival for sometime. Their warmth and generosity inspired me to help as much as I could in the short time that we were there."

Physiotherapist Volunteer - Errolyn

Read the full story

"My first impressions of India after leaving Chennai airport was that I had stepped back in time. It was hot and humid despite being a late winter evening, people were dressed differently to what we were used to and the Tamil language that we were hearing was foreign. Although I have travelled a great deal, it was one of the few times in my life that I had felt truly far from home. I could not believe that after much preparation and anticipation I had finally arrived in India! I remember being very excited and realised that my long time dream of partaking in international aid work was about to begin......"

Volunteer - Barbara

Read the full story

"For quite some time I wanted to do some work in a developing country and perform cataract surgery on some people who would otherwise be blind due to disease. I have some colleagues who went with Equal Health to India and they found it worthwhile and rewarding. As Equal Health is a small organisation based in Perth I thought I would be able to make a difference if I volunteered with them."

Ophthalmologist Volunteer - Andrea Ang

Read the full story

"My first impressions of India … Chennai airport; dust, faces, noise people, cars, trucks, buses, horns blowing … organised chaos at 11:30pm after coming through customs … what in the world was going on ! Exciting ..."

Physiotherapist Volunteer - Rob Harper

Read the full story

"I thought volunteering with Equal Health was a fantastic opportunity to work with other professions and it also allowed me to share the experience with my husband, a dentist. The idea of going to India in a professional capacity really appealed to me."

Speech Pathologist Volunteer - Nicki Hurwitz

Read the full story

"There is much talk of India becoming more wealthy and technologically advanced, however, in reality little has changed for the masses of people living in the parts of rural India whom Equal Health sees. So, there is still a huge need for programs such as Equal Health's in India and this is why I have just returned from my sixth trip to India, with my first being in 2002."

Optometrist Volunteer - Sue Strachan

Read the full story

"It all started with Paul persuading me to volunteer with Equal Health in India and since I worked in a mission hospital in South Africa as a student doctor I was interested in going and so went on my first camp in 1993. I really enjoyed the company of the people I worked alongside and the fact that you didn't know what the next day was going to offer or how things are going to work out- never a dull moment. Everything was so different - it just doesn't compare to working in Australia. My GP experience of many years allowed me to go with the flow and accept whatever happened. I found the teamwork essential as well as good fun and great company."

General Practitioner Volunteer - John Whitelaw

Read the full story

"I'm currently studying nursing and when I became aware of the opportunity to volunteer with Equal Health my lecturer advised me to take it because she had been to India quite a few times and thought it was one of the most worthwhile things you can do."

Dental Assistant Volunteer - Karen Widmer

Read the full story