Kenya trip inspires student nurse

A nursing student has made a pledge to return to Kenya after taking part in an international placement during her studies at Teesside University.

Final year BSc (Hons) Nursing (Learning Disabilities) student Catherine Thompson spent time working with organisations helping street children and orphans while completing an international placement during the second year of her degree.

Catherine, 35, of Stockton, spent just over two weeks in Kenya, working in orphanages and observing in a government hospital.

She said: 'I knew it would be poor in terms of facilities and care delivery, but was shocked to witness the extent of poverty. The patients needed to pay for their care and the equipment was sparse.

'Where I was staying, there was massive poverty. People couldn’t afford basic care and were often discharged before they were ready.

'Also during my placement, I realised people with learning disabilities were very much excluded and left to fend for themselves. It was not unusual to see people with learning disabilities and physical disabilities on street corners begging. I was shocked and sad to see this. It was as if they had been rejected from society.'

Catherine, who took £5,000 raised before the trip to help orphans by supplying essential items, said: 'I discovered that there weren’t just a few orphanages, but hundreds. There was at least one every square mile, which made it difficult to decide how best to use the money.

'It was obvious they all needed money, so decision making became difficult and emotional, especially as corruption is rife. We had to take great care when handing over donations to ensure the money was going to the intended recipients.'

She added: 'We found an orphanage with no running water. The children looked very unclean and the spread of bacteria was rife. The water tank was split and no longer useful. We bought a new tank and the gratitude of the staff and children was overwhelming. We also supplied food and arranged an early Christmas feast for them so they could eat together and have plenty of food to celebrate.'

Catherine also visited a remote area where they found many children living on the streets. 'I helped to organise a gathering where we could cook for them with women from the village helping out. Around 300 children came along, with some walking for miles often without footwear. The children sang songs of gratitude and had an amazing time.

'Some of the funds raised have been given to a trustee to provide four similar meals during 2016 to provide a sense of community spirit and hope.'

Other orphanages received schooling equipment, clothing and food.

She added: 'It is hard to decide my most memorable experience. It was very humbling and I realised how much I take for granted in my own life. I will never forget some of the horrendous situations, but also the gratitude and love given to me by all the people I met.'

Catherine hopes to return to Kenya as a volunteer when she completes her degree, adding: 'I feel that my work is not complete in Kenya.'

She said of her eye-opening visit: 'I have realised how great our education system is, especially the nursing programme at Teesside University. There were occasions when doctors in Kenya were actually asking my advice on procedures. I am very fortunate to have solid evidence based training under my belt which is credible and transferable.'

Catherine added: 'I came to Teesside to study as I knew it had a good reputation and as it is local so I can commute easily. Teesside is great. The programme structure and the staff support has been excellent.

'As a wife and mother of three, there have been times when it has been a struggle to juggle everything, but due to staff support I have managed. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect I would travel alone to Africa to embark on a nursing placement, or be able to be in the humbling position to be able to help orphans with money that people have kindly donated.

'This experience has had a massive impact on me and I will never forget it. I am grateful and blessed to have such an opportunity.'

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