Duke of Edinburgh – Gold Award Recipients

Two Senior students are now Gold Level Holders after achieving their Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Congratulations Alysha Gahankari and Leo Kelly Correa for your achievements.

What is the Duke of Ed?

"We aim to provide ALL young Australians with the opportunity to uncover their purpose, passion and place in the world to become #WORLDREADY.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (the Duke of Ed) is the global leader in the organising and accrediting of non-formal education through its flagship ‘Duke of Ed Framework’. For over 60 years, this Framework has been used by education providers and community organisations to accredit the non-formal learning outcomes and achievements of young people."

Duke of Edinburgh – Gold Residential Project, Alysha Gahankari

Making a Difference in Remote India

I am thrilled to share my incredible experience at the Melghat Plastic Surgery Camp 2023, where I had the opportunity to volunteer as part of my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential Project. It was a life-changing journey nestled in the northern part of Amravati District of Maharashtra, India, far from the comforts of home but closer to the hearts of resilient tribal communities facing daunting
challenges. Melghat Tiger Reserve is located on the southern Satpura Ranges and is 225 km west of Nagpur city. It was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1967 and was declared a tiger reserve in 1974.

Melghat isn’t just a picturesque hilly forest and tiger reserve; it’s a place where poverty intersects with harsh realities, especially during the chilling winter season. Burn injuries, a pervasive issue
exacerbated by wood-burning stoves in tribal homes, plague the impoverished residents, making reconstructive plastic surgery a distant dream for many.

MAHAN Trust, alongside the dedicated surgeons and medical team from Australia, organized a transformative free plastic surgery camp for the underprivileged tribal people of Melghat.
From December 21st to 27th, 2023, it became a beacon of hope, not just for me, but for everyone involved. Prior to attending this remote camp, with Dr. Satav’s guidance I spent a day at “The
orphanage for children”, run by Christian organisation for children with hand deformities and they were helped by the hand therapists who made customised splints to restore some function in their hands. It was a deep and meaningful experience. 

Six screening camps reached over 300 individuals in remote areas of Melghat and Madhya Pradesh. A team of expert doctors performed an astonishing 182 surgeries during the four-day plastic surgery camp, with an additional two days dedicated to other vital procedures. The surgeries addressed a myriad of conditions, from post-burn contractures to cancer surgeries, cleft lip repairs, and more. But it wasn’t just about medical procedures; it was about restoring dignity, functionality, and hope to individuals who have endured immense hardship.

Behind the statistics and surgeries were emotional narratives of resilience and transformation. The gratitude expressed by the tribal community echoed through the hills, reminding us of the profound impact of compassion and humanity. My duties at the camp included helping at the registration desk on Day 1, where patients were being triaged for upcoming surgeries.

During my time at the Melghat Plastic Surgery Camp 2023, I volunteered in the central kitchen, preparing meal preps, salads, and fruit platters. The kitchen was the camp's heartbeat, open for 14
hours daily to cater to the medical team, often working late into the night. Despite the long hours, preparing meals was a labour of love, knowing we were supporting those who were transforming
lives through surgery. We ensured that the medical team received freshly prepared, nourishing meals. Working in the kitchen allowed me to witness the dedication of everyone involved in the
camp first-hand. It was an honour to contribute to the remarkable work, knowing our efforts behind the scenes contributed to the camp's overall success. 

The Surgery Camp was a residential camp, as many patients are nomadic tribal communities. Accompanied by their families, they were provided with accommodation and food in camp throughout their stay. I was also given the responsibility of distributing clothes to the families and helping in attending to their needs. It was a humbling experience to help and witness the gratitude and resilience of the tribal community.

As I reflect on the camp's impact, I made a small yet lasting difference in the lives of those who need it the most. I am immensely grateful to Dr. Ashish Satav and Dr. Kavita Satav, for this opportunity to serve and be part of something so meaningful. The Melghat Plastic Surgery Camp 2023 taught me the true essence of compassion and resilience, leaving an indelible mark on my heart. Thank you to everyone who made this camp possible, from the dedicated medical professionals to the generous donors and supporters. Their belief in the power of collective goodwill has changed lives and inspired me to strive for a healthier, more compassionate world.