A meeting at the recent international conference has led to an invaluable opportunity for our scholarship delegate Richard Semanda, Founder and Executive Director, Geriatric Respite Care Foundation-Uganda and his colleague Jesca Nakibirango to receive essential dementia care training.
“The 2015 joint ACSA / IAHSA International conference held in Perth was a centre for opportunities especially for the Commonwealth developing countries,” explained Richard.
Hilary, Jesca, Richard, and Jane at the arrivals hall Perth Airport.
At the conference, Richard Semanda met Jane Verity, Founder and CEO of Dementia Care Australia and Hilary Lee, President of Spark of Life.
“Jane and Hilary showed genuine interest in our work in Uganda, and this connection became the catalyst for an exciting project to come to fruition” says Richard.
Dementia Care Australia has developed the internationally awarded Spark of Life Philosophy, which visibly rekindles the spark of life in the person with dementia. “The results are remarkable, with profound, dramatic and long lasting benefits,” says Hilary.
Recognising there are very few resources or training opportunities available for people working in aged care in Uganda, Dementia Care Australia has been able to help by sponsoring Richard and his colleague Jesca Nakibirango, in a three week intensive Master training Course in Dementia Care in Perth, 31 October to 21 November 2015.
Zoey introduces Jesca to the course.
“We were delighted to be able to offer Richard and Jesca the opportunity to be a part of our November course. It goes to show what can be achieved when we work together for a common goal,” said Hilary. “Richard and Jesca are so inspiring and passionate and have immersed themselves wholeheartedly into every aspect of the course. It is so good to know that through Richard and Jesca undertaking this unique education, many, many people in Uganda will greatly benefit.”
“Through this training, I can change people’s negative perception on the people with dementia and starting a specialised Dementia Care Centre,” explains Richard. “Undertaking the Spark of Life Master Course has enabled me to join a global network of pioneers in dementia care as well as empowering me with a deeper understanding and the skills to enrich the lives of people in Uganda.”
“We are extremely grateful for this much needed education and pass our appreciation to Dementia Care Australia for this enriching opportunity,” he said.
The fact that Richard and Jesca can benefit from bringing this philosophy of care back to their country is a tremendous outcome from our sponsorship program and clearly shows how we can learn from each other and work together.
“The opportunity given by Dementia Care Australia is a great example of what can be achieved as we work towards our vision of advancing the interests of older people throughout the Commonwealth by building capability and capacity in health and care service,” says Andrew Larpent, CommonAge Chairman.
Our many thanks go to Dementia Care Australia for finding a way to sponsor Richard and Jesca’s Spark of Life course in Perth and once again, we also express our heartfelt thanks to the supporters of our scholarship program who have made this outcome possible.
For more information about Spark of Life, please visit www.dementiacareaustralia.com
See more pictures of Richard and Jesca in Perth on our Facebook page.