Testimonials 2

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Peter Kaloris

Mental Health Project Coordinator, Foundation of the Peoples of the South Pacifc.
HALO OLGETA, BONJOUR TOUT LE MONDE,GREETINGS TO YOU ALL
I am Peter from the tiny nation, Vanuatu with a population of around 200,000 scattered around 90 islands located around the Center of the South Pacific Ocean.
Initially qualified as a Medical Laboratory Technician from Otago Polytechnic in New Zealand, I have been assisting doctors in laboratory investigations until taking up MBBS studies in 1997 in the neighbouring island nation, Fiji.
In 2002, 2 months before sitting the exit exam, I had a mental breakdown which resulted in me having to undergo psychiatric intervention by my psychiatry lecturer in order to allow me to be re-admitted back into medical school.
I am currently completing my studies however postponed my clinical exams as I had decided to do this course. I am also currently employed by a regional project with the Foundation of the Peoples of the South Pacific doing work on Mental Health, community awareness, promotion, research and advocacy.
The initial two weeks of the course in Pune has prepared me very well to address the problem in my country of not having a Mental Health Legislation. The introductions to the WHO Mental Health Policy, Strategy, Legislation Checklist and the UNCRPD has helped me to develop a synopsis for my project which is to develop a Mental Health Legislation for my country.