Journey of care: Old scholar’s holiday detour to help children in need
A love of sport drew Blackfriars old scholar Dyson Hilder to a career in physiotherapy. A desire to help children live a better life led him to an orphanage in Africa.
During a recent overseas holiday, Mr Hilder (BPS’18) spent a week volunteering at Phelisanong Children’s Centre, Lesotho, the only orphanage and school in the landlocked southern African nation for children with special needs.
“It was an eye-opening experience witnessing the challenges these children face in accessing basic care, especially given the array of physical and cognitive impairments they have,” said Mr Hilder, who has just started work as a graduate physiotherapist at the Women’s & Children’s Hospital.
“These difficulties are compounded by the underqualification of staff, who are working hard but are stretched thin.
“Lesotho is one of the poorest countries in the world but everyone is so, so happy and accommodating, which made the visit so enjoyable.”
The SANFL footballer, who came third in last year’s best & fairest for North Adelaide, introduced the orphanage children to Australian rules.
“I had the chance to work with some of the orphans, providing treatments where possible, encouraging physical activity and introducing them to Australian Football, which brought smiles to their faces,” he said.
He also delivered a two-day workshop to teachers, carers and support staff on basic physiotherapy principles.
“While they were eager to learn, the level of health literacy was low, with staff not knowing what stretching or strengthening exercises were,” said Mr Hilder, who was Deputy Head Prefect and Frassati Sportsman of the Year during his final year at Blackfriars,
“Despite the challenges, delivering my first workshop, with the help of a translator, was a rewarding experience for me and a valuable learning opportunity for the staff there.
“Lesotho is a beautiful country with even more beautiful people. This experience has touched my heart and highlighted how fortunate we are to have access to quality healthcare.”
Mr Hilder said his time at Blackfriars greatly influenced his desire to find ways to give back. The school “encouraged students to reflect on how people in their life shaped their journey and made them who they are today”.
“This allowed me to recognise how fortunate I was to be in the position I am, but also recognise the value in helping people less fortunate than I am and give them access to basic healthcare they so desperately deserve,” he said.
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