Revise Your Plans

Today was the date of the second health camp on Women’s Health for the Bhutanese refugee women. For the last week, the interns worked to have a school nurse come speak to the refugees, demonstrate how to do a self-examination for breast cancer, teach about maternal and prenatal care, and host a spa day. We were very prepared for this event, yet when we arrived this morning, we learned that the refugees were at a conference all day and would not be attending the health camp.

Although we were very disappointed to not have the opportunity to engage the refugee women in positive education about their health, our day was not a total loss. Instead of painting nails and giving facials for the grown women, we put nail polish on the little girls hands. Instead of showing slides on women’s health, we put on a children’s movie. The day was not what we expected, but by being flexible we were able to still have a great day.

Closing time

This week at Sewa, I realized that the internship is coming to a close. Time has gone by so fast. As I rapidly work to construct a grant proposal and the design for a refugee acculturation program, I feel gratitude to give back to so many Bhutanese and refugee populations in different capacities. Sewa has allowed me to explore outside-the-box solutions for programs dealing with a beneficiary group that desperately needs assistance. My staff has been very supportive throughout the whole process and as the last few weeks wrap up, I am taking my time getting to know each beneficiary. Overall this week, I got to work on the tasks that will benefit Sewa in the long term and contribute to the daily activities that currently enhance the standard of living for the Bhutanese population.

Reflecting on Today's Camp

   As today was our pilot health camp, we had not a clue as to what kind of a turnout to expect. Merely recruiting a crowd proved to be a feat in an of itself, and it was not soon before long that we became discouraged and our will was ever so slightly diminished. Eventually, once we were joined by two (previously reluctant) women from the community, we immediately gauged their interest. In fact, at one point one of the ladies responded mid-presentation, “Wow, people really need to know this information”, and I think I speak on behalf of the entire public health team when I say that, to me, is a success. By the end of the day, we were able to share vital information on general hygiene and health to a total of nine people who will then go home and relay that information to their families and friends. All in all, I feel very good about our pilot camp, and am looking forward to the upcoming camps with great  anticipation and excitement.

Beginning Computer Literacy Classes

By: Sathvika Ramachandran

This past week, we officially began the computer and literacy classes for the refugees at Los Arcos. I was honestly surprised that the students regularly showed up and came to class. In the past weeks, the students have been coming irregularly, so it was fantastic to see refugees I’ve never seen at my time in Los Arcos at the class. The students were extremely engaged and attentive. I worked with one boy who was deaf in one ear, and it was inspiring to see him try so hard to repeat English phrases. He was seemingly frustrated about not being able to repeat some of the phrases, but me sitting next to him and encouraging him motivated him to continue on with the program. The computer classes are fantastic, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the students learning so much through this.

July 10, 2014

By: Maria Mercado

This week Sewa had a busy week at the Los Arcos. People lined up quietly carrying their shot records. Mixed expressions of anticipation and curiosity filled the room, waiting for to receive necessary vaccination. On Tuesday Sewa partnered with Children’s Texas held an immunization drive for children under 18. Many children were able to receive free shots at no cost. Initiatives such as these are so important in promoting health in the community. Also the Public Health Team held their first Health Camp, discussing on issues of Hygiene and Nutrition. It was encouraging to see such an interest in health topics from mothers and young adults. Many mothers recognized the importance of nutrition and were excited to see a program that educates on the specifics of adjusting to the lifestyle of America. I thoroughly look forward to the next Health Camp next Thursday that will focus on Women’s Health.

We must Sewa Children

In the profound words of the philosopher Aristotle, people who “educate children are more honored than people who produce them; for these only gave them life, those the art of living well.” While his sentiments weren’t intended to undermine the role of parents, Aristotle was accentuating the importance of teachers and educators of children. This week at Sewa, I had the privilege of coordinating and implementing children activities. We organized physical and arts/craft activities for the students. These activities allowed them to express their creative sides along with learning the importance of physical health. While there might be language barriers between the Bhutanese and the Americans, the children aren’t necessarily cognizant of social or economic barriers. Here is one demographic that is universal in its idiosyncrasies and curiosity to absorb information. The refugee children embody the mantra of tabula rasa because they get a fresh start in the land of opportunity. As a Sewa intern, I felt that I played a small but paramount part in facilitating that opportunity.

Our First Public Health Camp

By: Chinelo Edochi

We the public health interns had our first health camp today. The health camp was focused on eating a healthy diet to drinking the right drinks. We also bought cleaning supplies such as vinegar and demonstrated to the attendees on how to clean their houses.Using the vinegar to clean table counter tops, their gas cookers, stoves and bathrooms. Lastly, we directed them on how to use the dishwashers they have in their respective homes. The ladies were so amazed, some of them really appreciated the fact that there was a device to make washing dishes more efficient. I felt that the health camp was very efficient because during the event a lady pointed out that this information was very relevant for the Bhutanese refugees that reside at Los Arcos. They all really seemed interested and receptive to the information we were giving to them. The health camp turned out to be a huge success and we plan for the rest to even go better. We would research for organizations that can come out and talk to the attendees to educate and enlighten them. At the end of this internship it would be of great satisfaction knowing that we were able to have an impact in the health aspect of the Bhutanese refugees.

Never Under-value your work

The mental enervation caused by propagating the cause of nonprofits can be overbearing at times. Luckily at Sewa, our staff always has a positive attitude towards changing the landscape for refugee empowerment. The validation provided by a child who speaks minimal English, yet is dedicated to learn, is truly spectacular. As the SLI program draws to a close, it is paramount to reflect on the value of Sewa tutors on the refugee and immigrant students. While it is impossible to quantify this value, I truly believe that the presence of our tutors eased the tasks of teachers who don’t have the resources to give special attention to every student that demands it. This week at Sewa, I also got to work on grant proposals and develop case studies of the targeted beneficiary. With the amalgamation of my theoretical work and the pragmatic application of those theories, Sewa has provided a work environment conducive to social entrepreneurship. This organization promotes outside-the-box thinking for its interns so they can solve complex problems. I am proud to be a small part of Sewa’s bigger mission.