Training sisters Dutch Welcome Village

In 2002, Medi-Aid, in collaboration with the Family Help Program (FHP), started providing 2 weeks of training to 20 care staff members of the Welcome Village. This training was designed to familiarize staff with the basic knowledge and skills of elderly care. Apart from a number of registered nurses, the majority of the participants in this training were unskilled. Elderly care was (is) not seen as a profession in Sri Lanka, while this was necessary in view of the level of care provided to and for the residents of the Welcome Village. Dutch coaching team The Dutch team of trainers in 2002 were all professionals working in elderly care (Maria-Oord Nursing Home in Vinkeveen): 2 nurses, 1 of whom is also a nursing teacher and a physiotherapist. Combination theory & practice and exam The training consisted of a combination of theory and practice. The most common psychogeriatric and somatic illnesses suffered by the WelcomeVillage residents were treated. This made it recognizable for the participants and the acquired knowledge could also be applied (learning) directly in practice. Even after the departure of the team of trainers, the Sri Lankan nurses acted as a source of information and help in practice. The training was concluded at the end of the 2 weeks with a written exam. Unfortunately, one participant failed due to illness.