East Timor uni graduate takes part in life-changing development program in Maroondah

An East Timorese university graduate has gained ‘life-changing skills’ after spending three months working alongside nursing staff from Council’s Maternal and Child Health team.

Zulmira da Conceicao, of East Timor, arrived in Maroondah having little knowledge about early childhood health care practices in Australia.

Having observed the teachings of nursing staff at Croydon’s Maternal and Child Health Centre, Zulmira is hoping to share her new-found knowledge to improve preventative health care for children, particularly in isolated regions of East Timor.

It’s all part of an international exchange sponsorship program led by the Rotary Club of Lilydale, in partnership with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation and Maroondah City Council.

The exchange provides a unique opportunity for young overseas students to experience first-hand the many cultures and practices of a different country, a new way of life and in some instances another language.

Right on our doorstep in East Timor are some of the highest rates of hearing loss in adults, with an increasing prevalence in young children.

Undiagnosed and untreated ear infections are largely to blame, particularly in young children and babies, often leading to other health issues such as speech and learning difficulties.

The exchange program is helping to teach people like Zulmira basic health care, as well as promoting health literacy and hygiene.

Having spent time with local staff at MCH’s Early Parenting Program, the National University of East Timor graduate said she was surprised to learn how much educational support there was for families living in Australia. The program supports new parents through difficulties with sleep and settling babies, establishing routines, breastfeeding, nutrition and postnatal anxiety – something unheard of in her country.

“Especially for babies, like breastfeeding, settling, teaching the mother how to feed, sleeping. It’s very interesting to observe something different,” she said.

Zulmira now plans to take the knowledge, skills and confidence she’s gained to the Health Department of Dili, where she plans to discuss the ways in which the Early Parenting Program works in the hope it can be emulated in her country.

Council’s MCH Team Leader Vicki Middleton said that in what was an exchange program ‘first’ for Maroondah nursing staff, the time spent with Zulmira was equally beneficial.

“It’s been a terrific opportunity for us to share our different experiences in nursing in our country, and to learn a little bit about what they do in East Timor. It’s been an interesting journey for us,” she said.

During her stay, Zulmira also spent time at EACH’s refugee health clinic, a service which helps new arrivals become accustomed to life in Australia.

Away from the educational aspect of her visit, the Timorese nursing graduate sampled the Australian way of life, getting around the city using public transport and experiencing a new culture while living with her host family in Maroondah.

Rotary International Director Cheryl Mackay presented Council with a Certificate of Appreciation and thanked staff for their invaluable support.

“If they (exchange participants) take just some of what they learn while they’re here and apply it at home and teach others, we’re really gaining a lot as a community to be able to share our knowledge.

“And even though Zulmira might feel there’s a language barrier, the actual doing and seeing is something that is a common language for us all,” she said.