Volunteer’s Native Language Proves Helpful in Nepal

Sama Shrestha was born in Kathmandu, Nepal. She was educated and certified as Registered Nurse in the U.S. and currently works at the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Virginia. But this month, Shrestha traveled back to Nepal as a first time Project HOPE volunteer to provide health care and training as part of the U.S. Air Force Pacific Angel 2012 mission.

Her native Nepalese language skills are proving very helpful during the Health Services Outreach mission in Nepal. Leading the triage section at the front entrance to the health site, Shrestha helped identify and categorize patient complaints and referred each patient to the various health sections at the clinic. She also helped with training and health education efforts for local doctors and nurses.

While there are nearly 195 U.S., Nepalese, Australian and Mongolian health personnel participating in the Pacific Angel mission, the Project HOPE volunteers represent the only NGO participating in the mission. And Shrestha’s unique experience has not gone unnoticed. Shrestha was recognized by the lead Nepalese operation director as “an inspiration for all Nepalese people” for her work with her Nepalese health counterparts to educate them on modern health practices, health opportunities in the U.S., working hard to achieve life goals, perseverance and the need for a good education.

As always, wherever Project HOPE volunteers provide care around the world, the children are the best and brightest memories of these missions. “Happy, laughing, always smiling, Nepalese kids are terrific,” said Shrestha.