Meet WRS volunteer Sophie
In this series, we speak to WRS volunteers about their motivations and experiences travelling to Malaysia to spend time with our partner schools and organisations. For this piece, we spoke to Sophie Cameron-Krepp.
Can you introduce yourself?
I'm Sophie, I'm 29 and work as a nurse and in health promotion at a hospital in Melbourne. I've been involved with WRS for a few years, have traveled maybe five times to Malaysia with Westgate Refugee Support and am hoping to keep going back.
Tell us about your first trip. Why did you want to visit?
The thing I most wanted to see was the medical services for refugees and see how they compared to where I work as a nurse in Melbourne. And for a side trip to Thailand!
You spent some time at a medical centre in Malaysia. How was that experience? Was it what you expected?
The situation wasn’t as confronting as I thought it might have been. I expected the people to be sicker with a lower level of care. I realised the quality of care was the same as what I was used to, it was just the technology that was inferior. The staff showed such incredible care for their patients with so few resources.
Who did you find most interesting on your trip?
Caroline, a doctor who works at a refugee clinic, visits refugees in rural locations and the detention centres. She had a full waiting room of patients but didn’t seem to stress in taking a short time to talk with us about the horrible things that she sees happen in detention. She was such a strong, calm woman, and when she spoke with us you could hear in her voice how accepting, committed and thoughtful she was.
What was most memorable about your first trip?
We visited a refuge for women and children a few times. The second time we took a plastic pin bowling set and played games all day with the kids. It was nice to be part of their everyday life, to be able to contribute and to be welcomed into their home.
How would you describe your overall experience visiting Malaysia?
At first, I was apprehensive and didn’t know what to expect, but that’s okay. I got so much out of the experience; some things I learnt I didn’t realise until I got home. I’m glad I went. I now know that to us, government immigration policies are something we debate as a matter of politics - but to the refugees it is their life. There’s so much more we can do.
What would you say to someone thinking about getting involved?
Come and join us! If you aren't too sure, reach out and we'll happily give you more information. WRS is a really great group to be part of, whether the work you think you might be able to do is here in Australia or in Malaysia.
WRS is currently planning the next trip to Malaysia. Please get in touch if you would like to find out more.