Celebrating our first Timorese caregiver to complete Mission Mentoring
23 Dec 2016
23 December 2016
Justino is a Language and Culture Officer for St John of God Social Outreach, based at the national hospital in Dili (HNGV), and has been part of the International Health team in Timor-Leste for the past two years.
He travelled to Australia four times during 2016 to participate in the program to understand more about the story of St John of God Health Care (SJGHC) and how the organisation continues to express the Mission through its work.
While in Victoria, Justino also gave a number of presentations to SJGHC caregivers to provide information about the work being delivered in Timor-Leste.
Justino said that the Mission Mentoring Program showed him how to adopt the spirit of the Good Samaritan in his working life.
“One of the main things I have learnt through the program is to suffer with those who are in need, to make the patient feel joy and be pampered while in hospital and to care for others in a way that you care for yourself,” he said.
“As St John of God caregivers we should always place the patient at the centre of our care. Restoring and affirming the hope of a patient is as important as the clinical care they receive.”
Justino provides translation for education and training packages as well as interpreting services to facilitate training sessions and workshops at the HNGV. He also provides local cultural information to caregivers working in Timor-Leste to help them adapt to their new environment.
“I will take with me all of the learning’s from the program to share with my Timorese colleagues, to share the experience and invite them to continue the journey of St John of God through the work we are delivering in Timor-Leste,” he said.
One of the main outcomes of the program was the commissioning of ten woven Timorese baskets with the letters ‘SJGHC’ stitched on them along with the words ‘Do good’ to share the legacy of St John of God. The baskets will be filled with donated goods and given to a charity in the New Year.
Following his participation in Mission Mentoring Justino was asked by Anthea Ramos, Director International Health, to chair a Mission Support Committee in Timor-Leste.
“Through the establishment of this new committee we aim to encourage our SJGHC caregivers to understand more clearly the Mission, Vision and Values of St John of God Health Care, as well as to role model our values-based activities and behaviours to our Timorese colleagues and bring about improved patient care,” said Anthea.
“Justino’s exposure to Mission Mentoring has left him well equipped to lead the committee and implement practices and a culture that resonates with our Mission, this will include overseeing events for St John of God Day, Foundation Day and other Mission and Vision activities.”