We believe passionately in social justice, and it is our core principle of equity that drives us to launch [Project]². The project encompasses two very different communities, one in Nepal and one in remote Australia, yet brings them together under common goals that recognise our common humanity.

Focusing on childhood health and development we are approaching each project with universal concepts of equity and respect imbued with a commitment to local consultation ad cooperation.

Our vision is of two independent projects tailored to the local communities needs, but guided by the same principles: the ideals of our organisation.

It is intended that [Project]² be financially supported by ongoing corporate sponsorship and an annual gala fundraising dinner.  We aspire to develop the capacity and professionalism of [Project]² to allow further projects to be supported in the future.

HHRG Nepal Project 2008

The HHRG Nepal Project 2008 facilitated a group of 16 medical students, Australian and Nepalese, to carry out development work in from the 2nd-17th of January. This project was a partnership between HHRG and Nepal based Non-Government Organisation, Hope For Himalayan Kids (HFHK).

The concept originated from one Australian students’ experience conducting previous voluntary work with HFHK while travelling in Nepal. HFHK funds basic needs such as food, housing, clothes, school fees, and school resources for a total of 52 Nepalese children aged 5-18 years. This experience lead to the belief that Nepalese children provided with additional support, nutrition, healthcare and education, are essential to change Nepal’s future for the better.

The project aimed to empower Nepalese children and adolescents, with particular focus on residents in children’s homes supported by HFHK.  Developing and implementing a Personal Health Program within these children’s homes was the primary goal of the project.  The education strategies encompassed Nutrition, Personal Hygiene, Exercise, First Aid, Sexual & Reproductive Health, and Goal Setting which assisted residents realise their potential through empowerment, skills and education. This program was challenging yet extremely successful and rewarding for all. Sustainability of the participants new knowledge and positive health behavior was a primary objective of the project. This was addressed through encouraging participants to conduct peer education sessions and funding an easily accessible education resource room. Establishing a health monitoring system, including growth charts, for each child was also an exciting development during the project.

HHRG Nepal Project 2009

The HHRG Nepal Project 2009 will continue collaborative work with HFHK and Nepalese medical students. Our focus remains on meeting the specific needs of the children supported by HFHK, with a broader commitment the rights of all Nepalese children. This will be achieved through partnering the current HFHK initiatives:

• Urban Alternative Care Programme: Centers on alternative care for the current children’s home residents- either in the form of a Family Group (foster home for younger children) or Supported Accommodation (small peer group living for adolescents).  HFHK has piloted these models over the past 6-12 months, both of which have achieved positive outcomes.
• Preventative Programme: Aims to prevent institutionalisation of orphaned or abandoned children, in particular those from the rural villages of Nepal. Provision of necessary support within these villages, in the form of short-term (emergency) alternative care, and empowerment of the community to work towards long-term alternative care solutions are the primary goals.

Over 8 million children are in residential care worldwide, separated from family, caretakers and communities. Extensive research associates serious and negative impacts on children’s development and children’s rights with institutional forms of care, including children’s homes. Children have the right to live in a caring family environment and the International Save the Children Alliance argues that first priority for resources and interventions should be to protect and support a child within this environment.  Community-based care is advocated as a more appropriate response. The above initiatives are a response to international standards on upholding children’s rights. In supporting the Preventative Programme a proportion of funds will be allocated as a bursary for up to four Nepalese medical students to assist in research and ground operations. Australian medical students have the opportunity to participate in conjunction with the Nepalese students; however this is subject to personal funding.

[PROJECT: Indigenous Health]

The Indigenous Health Project is the Australian aspect of [Project]². This domestic project is an unprecedented initiative for our group and it is an exciting step forward.

The project rests upon two principles:

• Firstly, as concerned medical students our aim is to build a project that addresses a relevant area of need as identified by the community.
• Secondly, the exposure of medical students to an indigenous community will result in the forging of friendships and tightening of bonds between future medical professionals and those most in need today, leading to a greater understanding on both sides.

We firmly believe that local knowledge is essential to creating a project that is both relevant and tailored to the local community.

The broad guiding principles of the Indigenous project are:

Goal One: Continuity

• Funding – Developing fundraising and sponsorship strategies to maintain the resources needed to achieve our objectives.
• Commitment – maintaining the Group’s commitment to the project and developing strategies to recruit students and HHRG alumni interested in Indigenous health.

Goal Two: Valuable and Sustainable Contribution

• Project Design & Flexibility – Designing a project that is tailored to the local communities needs and yet has the flexibility to suit varying situations.
• Project Management – Maintaining an annual review process with input from local community and participants. This process of evaluation will ensure the efficiency and efficacy of the project.

Goal Three: Exposure

• Student Volunteers – Expose student volunteers to the issues of health provision in Indigenous communities.