I Get Paid To: Travel and Save Lives!

Name: Laura Patterson     
Employer:  ChildFund New Zealand     
Position: Programmes Coordinator 

Can you give us a brief job description?
I'm the link between ChildFund New Zealand and our partner organisations in countries like Kenya and Timor Leste, where we support child-focused community development projects, such as improved healthcare, nutrition, and child protection. My job involves describing the needs of these communities to the New Zealand Government (NZAID) and the public in order to get funding and ensuring that the community projects are appropriate, well planned, and effectively implemented. I visit the project communities yearly to assess how well they are helping children and their families.

 

I studied and worked in nursing here in New Zealand and then worked in Zambia setting up clinics in remote locations. I became more in involved managing projects there and in Angola. Then after two years in Afghanistan with a Swiss aid organisation, Medair, I came home to New Zealand a few months ago. It just happened at the same time that ChildFund was looking for someone with my experience.  

What inspired you to get into this field? 

As a child my parents were involved in community projects in Fiji and other places around the world. Seeing people less fortunate than myself made me want to do something practical to help. There's a huge imbalance of wealth and power in this world – working to make a difference against poverty and injustice, which often hurts women and children the most, is what keeps me motivated.  

What is a typical week at work like for you? 

Most weeks I spend a lot of time communicating with our overseas partners. I review reports to check that the project money is being used appropriately and that the most vulnerable people in these communities are benefiting from the project. I report back to our donors and submit requests for more funding and support. We might have a meeting or seminar with other international aid organisations based here.

 

In November, I am in Kenya for nearly three weeks to meet the staff and communities that are involved in ChildFund's projects. This will involve travelling long distances over bumpy roads. I will spend time in Emali, where our projects are solely funded by New Zealanders, so it's a special area for us. I'm looking forward to meeting the kids that are involved in these projects and seeing how things are changing for them. Most of the children are affected in some way by HIV and AIDS making it a challenging place to work.

What do you enjoy about your job most of all?
Working with committed and motivated people who want to see children create a better life for themselves - and feeling like I'm giving a little towards this process of change.

Best perks of the job?
It's a real privilege to be able to meet the children and families we're helping and see for myself the amazing things they accomplish.

What personality traits/skills/attributes help a person get a job like yours?
You definitely need a positive, 'can do' attitude, an open mind and a willingness to see things from other people's point of view. Most of my work is with people in other countries and communication can sometimes be interesting with different language skills and ways of seeing things. It helps to be able to see the 'bigger picture' without losing focus on the individuals who are affected by whatever problems they are dealing with.

Take an interest in international issues of poverty and injustice, especially what's happening to women out there. Get connected with an advocacy group, either giving some time or being on the emailing list to keep updated. Sponsor a project or child - this is a great way to connect with someone in another country who needs support. Volunteer some of your time at your local city mission or refugee support service to get an understanding of issues of poverty and deprivation, and to get to know some great people!

Where would you like to go from here?
After being based overseas for so long, I am enjoying being back here and keen to enjoy a Kiwi summer!

 

The current changes in the world economy and the environment mean there are a lot more challenges ahead for people living in poverty. So right now I'm going to share what I've learned and continue to develop my management and analytical skills. My focus is very much on the here and now. In the future, I know I'll still be working in community development – I'm just not sure where!