The recent Orientation Course which ran from the 6th to the 14th of January at The Hermitage, Mittagong was a great success. 19 participants from six sending organisations (including 13 Palms volunteers) attended, discussing and reflecting upon broad themes such as health, culture and development. Participants were preparing for a variety of placements from five weeks to two years, in countries including South Africa, Kenya, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Kiribati and Guatemala.
Facilitators brought a variety of experience from such organisations as the University of Wollongong, Australian Catholic University, the University of Melbourne, Caritas Australia, Josephite Community Aid, Catholic Mission, St Vincent De Paul Society, Franciscan Friars, Columban Mission Institute, Aboriginal Women’s Healing House, Cycle Against Poverty and AusAID. Of course, there was also the extensive experience of Palms Australia staff and numerous Palms returned volunteers.