40 volunteers , I clarified. Yes came the calm know-it-all answer from the project co-ordinator. That didn't happen . Only 11 showed up. But it didn't stop us. I kept reminding myself that better 11 dedicated people than 100 people just dragging themselves here for the heck of it .
The volunteers sat patiently as myself, Majunath, abhimanyu and nitasha introduced various aspects of the project and rehab department. All of a sudden a began to feel a deep sense of gratitude to them as I looked at their tierd faces. these people could have spent their time chilling at home , but they chose to brave this sunny saturday afternoon to be a part of something special. Funny how symbiotic inspriation can be.
Highlights
1. Arrival of people late so self introduction was skipped. Imprompto name tags were issued.
2. I gave a welcome note and introduced the agenda of the meet
3. Manjunath gave an intro on stroke, its types and the importance of this info for volunteers.
4. Abhimanyu gave an intro on Stroke rehabilitation and answered questions.
5. Nitasha introduced the I-shine Project.
6. I concluded by giving them the aim of the volunteers groups and asked them to think over it and fill in the registration forms so that we could sort out the volunteers into groups .
7. Registration forms were distributed and filled.
8. Q & A
9. Badges were distributed.
10. meeting ended at 4pm .
Friday, January 16, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
2nd Jan 2009
Happy new year 2009. The year saw the introduction of a few volunteers. The experience was enriching, to say the least. I allowed the volunteers to mingle in with the patients so that they could get the feel of what was happening . Its amazing how they blended in. Its also helped in filtering out people who could not cope.I guess certain amount of maturity is required when interacting with stroke survivors. Patients have to be understood as adults and treated with respect. Some that cannot manage just do not turn up again, which saves us the trouble of asking them not to come. It all boils down to a matter of choice.. not of the volunteer, but if the patient choose to accept you ..
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Motivational Talk – Chapter One
How things worked out was truly amazing. How Ms,. Nitasha was prompted to get in touch and faithfully secured an appointment with mr. Ian who obliged to come and speak to the patients. The first thing that flashed me was the designation of a ‘transformer’ that Mr.Ian had put in his card. How unique and exciting! It was truly humbling t see such renowned people take a bit of their time and effort to come and put a smile of patient’s faces.
Nitasha had the place setup nicely for the talk. It was a pity that no other volunteer from St. Josephs showed up, because it would be inspiring for them to watch the transformation happen .
The talk lasted and bit more than half an hour, but it was impactful, judging from the smile on peoples faces.. We hope to schedule more such talks at least once a month for the patients. Tentative date for the next talk is on 13th jan 2009
Nitasha had the place setup nicely for the talk. It was a pity that no other volunteer from St. Josephs showed up, because it would be inspiring for them to watch the transformation happen .
The talk lasted and bit more than half an hour, but it was impactful, judging from the smile on peoples faces.. We hope to schedule more such talks at least once a month for the patients. Tentative date for the next talk is on 13th jan 2009
Saturday, December 6, 2008
6th December 2008, Saturday Volunteers Orientation Meeting (Absolutely Excellent !!)
‘It was absolutely excellent!’ Exclaimed Mr. Gopal Krishna as he waved good bye. His black blazer and purple striped tie neatly draped over his forearm as he walked to his car. It was already passed 4pm as I closed the department for the day, but its didn’t matter as, Mr.Gopal Krishna’s honest remark resonated in my ears. I was a milestone, no doubt. A Day to be remembered. The day we had our first volunteer orientation for the I-shine Project.
Venue : St. Martha’s Stroke Rehab centre (physio wing)
Time : 2pm – 3pm
Present : Mr. Jason Furtado (I/C), Ms. Nitasha Noronha (Staff/ coordinator), Ms. Bhavani (Staff), Mr. Manjunath (staff), Sr.Grace (Prison Ministry , Nagpur) , Mr.Gopal Krishna (Stock Broker/Volunteer), Mr. Ranjith (Marine engineer/ Advisory ) , Mr.Chandrashekar (Stroke Survivor/Volunteer), Physiotherapy Interns , NSS students from St.Josephs (6).
The Orientation program was designed to be of a casual discovery circle format, where participants would be relaxed and yet be able to participate in the discussion.
1.A Welcome was extended by Mr. Jason Furtado to all dignitaries present.
2.Introduction of each Participant.
3.Mr. Gopal Krishna Gave a motivational talk entitled – ‘Just a little Push’. The talk was not only inspiring but also surprisingly very down to earth and humorous. I perfect talk, I must say, with anecdotes of why we tend to remember the great-great grandparents of the Gandhis, but not our own!! We remember them because society remembers people who lived (and died) for others!. The Gopal went on to thanks the volunteers to spending their valuable time here rather than what other young people do during their holidays. They were sacrificing their value time for a valuable cause. A cause for which people would thank them in the future. As the cause not only gives a chance to do recreational therapies, but also helps in the awareness of stroke , its prevention , rehab and preparedness of an attack. This is an important key. When a person knows what to do at the time of an attack, he is bound to save a live for which the I-shine shall be responsible. The Talk was extremely inspiring and meaningful.
4. Mr. Chandrashekar (Stroke survivor) shared his experience followed by answering questions from the volunteers. This enables the volunteers to see first hand that young people can also get stroke and how communication problems (speech problems) can arise.
5. Ms. Nitasha gave a brief introduction on what the I-Shine project was all about and how we needed people to help us in three categories (Recreational Therapies, Awareness Campaign & Motivational Services )
a.Recreational Therapies: games that were therapeutically designed to help patient learn coping strategies, Improve Motor and higher functions WITH an element of fun.
b.Awareness campaigns: Would spread the word about stroke using print, Audio visual aids and Arts .
c.Motivational Campaign is being with the patient and helping in therapy and motivating them.
6.A discussion and question answer session followed.
7.The choice of being a part of I-shine was left to them. The students took many brochures to give to their college mates.
8.Volunteer badges were given to already registered volunteers.
9.The meeting ended with a promise to grow and shine!!. The next meeting would be intimated by personal Correspondence.
Venue : St. Martha’s Stroke Rehab centre (physio wing)
Time : 2pm – 3pm
Present : Mr. Jason Furtado (I/C), Ms. Nitasha Noronha (Staff/ coordinator), Ms. Bhavani (Staff), Mr. Manjunath (staff), Sr.Grace (Prison Ministry , Nagpur) , Mr.Gopal Krishna (Stock Broker/Volunteer), Mr. Ranjith (Marine engineer/ Advisory ) , Mr.Chandrashekar (Stroke Survivor/Volunteer), Physiotherapy Interns , NSS students from St.Josephs (6).
The Orientation program was designed to be of a casual discovery circle format, where participants would be relaxed and yet be able to participate in the discussion.
1.A Welcome was extended by Mr. Jason Furtado to all dignitaries present.
2.Introduction of each Participant.
3.Mr. Gopal Krishna Gave a motivational talk entitled – ‘Just a little Push’. The talk was not only inspiring but also surprisingly very down to earth and humorous. I perfect talk, I must say, with anecdotes of why we tend to remember the great-great grandparents of the Gandhis, but not our own!! We remember them because society remembers people who lived (and died) for others!. The Gopal went on to thanks the volunteers to spending their valuable time here rather than what other young people do during their holidays. They were sacrificing their value time for a valuable cause. A cause for which people would thank them in the future. As the cause not only gives a chance to do recreational therapies, but also helps in the awareness of stroke , its prevention , rehab and preparedness of an attack. This is an important key. When a person knows what to do at the time of an attack, he is bound to save a live for which the I-shine shall be responsible. The Talk was extremely inspiring and meaningful.
4. Mr. Chandrashekar (Stroke survivor) shared his experience followed by answering questions from the volunteers. This enables the volunteers to see first hand that young people can also get stroke and how communication problems (speech problems) can arise.
5. Ms. Nitasha gave a brief introduction on what the I-Shine project was all about and how we needed people to help us in three categories (Recreational Therapies, Awareness Campaign & Motivational Services )
a.Recreational Therapies: games that were therapeutically designed to help patient learn coping strategies, Improve Motor and higher functions WITH an element of fun.
b.Awareness campaigns: Would spread the word about stroke using print, Audio visual aids and Arts .
c.Motivational Campaign is being with the patient and helping in therapy and motivating them.
6.A discussion and question answer session followed.
7.The choice of being a part of I-shine was left to them. The students took many brochures to give to their college mates.
8.Volunteer badges were given to already registered volunteers.
9.The meeting ended with a promise to grow and shine!!. The next meeting would be intimated by personal Correspondence.
Friday, December 5, 2008
5th December 2008 - Mr. John's First visit
At 11am, the PRO brought in Mr. John, the leader of the NSS group at St.Josephs. Although we were busy, I was quite happy that he saw the departement on a busy day. he realized the layers tasks that were were performing and also that there were yount people suffering from stroke related disabilities too.
I was told that there were about 35-40 intrested. There was a pause when he said that from myside. That was unexpected !! I told him quite frankly that were would prefer a smaller number so that we could expand in time . He agreed. He said that he would convey the same to the group and come back tommorw for the orientation program.
I was also told that the two new recruits (MBA students would also be joining us as well as Mr. Ranjith. This was a good sign as I had thought that Mr.Rajith who was with us during Dr.Usha's time (the other NGO) wasn;t very happy of the way things were going. I hope he would be able to guide us with this association .
In the evening, Nitasha, bhavani and I had a meeting to touch base on what would transpire tommorw. Basically a breif intro with dynamic speakers like our first Ishine Volenteer, Mr. Gopalkrishna ( a very talented speaker) , Mr. Chandrashekar ( a stroke survivor himself) . Although the meeting was to be formal, we decided to keept a casual feel to it so that the voluteers would be at easy. I think it would work. Lets see... I'l keep you posted.. wish us luck !!
I was told that there were about 35-40 intrested. There was a pause when he said that from myside. That was unexpected !! I told him quite frankly that were would prefer a smaller number so that we could expand in time . He agreed. He said that he would convey the same to the group and come back tommorw for the orientation program.
I was also told that the two new recruits (MBA students would also be joining us as well as Mr. Ranjith. This was a good sign as I had thought that Mr.Rajith who was with us during Dr.Usha's time (the other NGO) wasn;t very happy of the way things were going. I hope he would be able to guide us with this association .
In the evening, Nitasha, bhavani and I had a meeting to touch base on what would transpire tommorw. Basically a breif intro with dynamic speakers like our first Ishine Volenteer, Mr. Gopalkrishna ( a very talented speaker) , Mr. Chandrashekar ( a stroke survivor himself) . Although the meeting was to be formal, we decided to keept a casual feel to it so that the voluteers would be at easy. I think it would work. Lets see... I'l keep you posted.. wish us luck !!
Monday, December 1, 2008
1st December '08 - St. Joseph's come'n'see
Being world AIDS day the group from st. josephs came and did a street play about AIDS awareness in front of the CCU . Then the small group came in to see the department . Ms. Nitasha showed them around. Its was a short visit at the fag end of the day, nevertheless, its was a second milestone crossed.. Keeping our fingers crossed.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Saturday 29th Nov 2008 - Segregation of duties
Today I called a meeting of the physios . Manjunath, Bhavani, Nitasha and I met at the end of the day. The exhaustion of the week was evident on their faces. I almost hesitated to place another yolk on their shoulders, but it gave me consolation that the excitement of the job would lift them up .
Mr. Manjunath, being a postgraduate was assigned the task of the 'Stroke Smart Campaign' . this would be a campaign to spread stroke awareness though audio-visual means , with the the help of volunteers. This would include making models , charts, academic input for the drams as well.
Ms. Bhavani was given the task of coordinating the indoor volunteers. once the volunteers come, Bhavani would regulate their placements and assignment of cases to them. I felt that Bhavani would be open to the challenge as I feel she has great potential , given the proper challenges.
Mr. Kulbhushan (Absent currently) was given the grand yolk of formulating and regulating the recreational therapies. and maintaining the Family tree that he had made of all the patients .
Ms, Nitasha was give the responsibility to co-ordinate the external associations and organizations. The outreach programs done outside the hospital premises by the volunteers.
She was too , to regulate and co-ordinate the timings and patients for the counselor possibly coming to help us out.
The chores didn't quite set in as per the blank look on their faces.. I will have to see the reactions on Monday .. Whatever it maybe.. I'm glad they are a aprt of my team .. I could'nt have chossen better .
Mr. Manjunath, being a postgraduate was assigned the task of the 'Stroke Smart Campaign' . this would be a campaign to spread stroke awareness though audio-visual means , with the the help of volunteers. This would include making models , charts, academic input for the drams as well.
Ms. Bhavani was given the task of coordinating the indoor volunteers. once the volunteers come, Bhavani would regulate their placements and assignment of cases to them. I felt that Bhavani would be open to the challenge as I feel she has great potential , given the proper challenges.
Mr. Kulbhushan (Absent currently) was given the grand yolk of formulating and regulating the recreational therapies. and maintaining the Family tree that he had made of all the patients .
Ms, Nitasha was give the responsibility to co-ordinate the external associations and organizations. The outreach programs done outside the hospital premises by the volunteers.
She was too , to regulate and co-ordinate the timings and patients for the counselor possibly coming to help us out.
The chores didn't quite set in as per the blank look on their faces.. I will have to see the reactions on Monday .. Whatever it maybe.. I'm glad they are a aprt of my team .. I could'nt have chossen better .
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