rdinary Dolen Cymru is an organisation based in Wales which promotes friendship and awareness between the people of Wales and the people of Lesotho, a small but beautiful country in southern Africa. The charity began its appeal 25 years ago, and through a succession of exchanges by teachers, doctors, church and civic leaders, a shared understanding has grown between the two nations. This is an intrinsic part of Dolen Cymru’s success, as they promote themselves as a people-to-people organisation. Instead of merely giving money to Lesotho, the charity works with the community to help people to develop the skills they need to help themselves. Dr Carl Clowes, President of Dolen Cymru, admits that there are still real challenges within
the health system in Lesotho, with one in five of the population infected with HIV and an estimated 50 people dying from AIDS every day. Due to the huge number of people affected by the virus, Lesotho’s hospitals are extremely understaffed. In one day alone, a single doctor must care for between 70 and 100 people. This highlights the importance of Dolen Cymru’s health project, which gives Welsh GPs and medical students the opportunity to widen their knowledge and experience by volunteering in Lesotho’s hospitals. Dr Goronwy Jones has worked as a GP in Carmarthen in Wales for over 25 years. In 2008 he spent eight weeks on one of Dolen Cymru’s voluntary placements. His main job in Lesotho was as a flying doctor, a role in which he piloted
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a light aircraft, combining his love of flying with providing aid to remote areas. When he wasn’t flying, Dr Jones was in the operating theatre working as an anaesthetist. “The year prior to working out in Lesotho, I spent my free time visiting hospitals in Llanelli to brush up on my anaesthetic skills,” he explains. There are only two anaesthetists in the whole of Lesotho. Comparison with the UK health network, in which there are at least two anaesthetists in every hospital, shows how desperate Lesotho’s situation really is. “The hospital conditions were horrendous and extremely basic,” says Dr Jones, “but it is quite incredible how highly skilled the nurses are, and the sheer amount of work that they undertake is simply mind-boggling.”
All photos: Dr Goronwy Jones
Dolen Cymru
One of the main UK charities that help to organise volunteering abroad is the Twin Group’s Work And Volunteer (W&V). Peter Talbot, one of the chief trip organisers for W&V, explains. “We have found that more mature volunteers actually have more to offer in terms of free time and life skills and experience.” Talbot also explains that the organisation’s programmes abroad for over-65s are increasing popular. Over-60s are welcome on most of W&V’s programmes, except for those countries with their own age restrictions.
Whether you fancy working in crocodile conservation in India or constructing buildings in Ghana, W&V can help. “Work and Volunteer are more than happy to welcome anyone who wishes to volunteer,” adds Talbot. “A decent level of fitness is required – for example, trekking in Nepal requires a high level of fitness and health because of the altitude adjustments – but there are no age restrictions.” There are many ways to get in touch with the organisation and discuss your plans for travelling and volunteering abroad. Talbot holds live chats online to discuss travel plans and other people’s
W&V
travelling experiences with the company. “Travelling around the world and seeing afamous tourist sights is one way of seeing and experiencing the world,” says Talbot. “However, volunteering offers a completely different insight into the world. Mature volunteers make an important contribution to volunteer projects around the world. As a mature volunteer you are likely to bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and understanding to any volunteer project as well as a certain level of maturity.” Want to get involved with volunteering? Visit our website www.journalism.cf.ac.uk/renew
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