Supporting Cass!

Hey everybody, just wanted to give a huge thank-you to everyone who has support my outreaches! It is an amazing blessing to have people support my school and I when we are on our outreaches that happen through-out our 18 month course.
I have two more four week outreaches coming up this year! I am so excited that I get the oppurtnity in September to travel to Romania and Italy and then in November to Ireland and England.
While on these outreaches I will be continuing to work with people who are in some sort of injustice, i.e. human traffic victims, orphans, abuse victims, homeless people etc. Our goal is to expose the injustice through media, and bring life to those who are trapped in the situation.
I do need help to be able to complete these outreaches. If you feel like God is calling you to partner with me and support me finically, please email me @CRdalessandro@hotmail.ca.
Also, check out my profile for an international photo contest that I'm entered in, and make sure to hit the "support" button, so I can win some rad prizes!

Check it out! https://CassPhotography.see.me/

Thanks everyone, lots and lots of love,

-Cass

Media Project on Mental Illness in Jakarta!

Mental Illness in Jakarta! 

By: Cassandra D’Alessandro and Kassandra Williams

Mental illness is one of the worst diseases to plague humanity. Only in the past few years have doctors started to understand and create helpful treatments for those who suffer from various mental illnesses. Before knowledge of mental illnesses was widely available, those suffering were treated in inhumane ways. They were abused and stripped of their rights by the those who were supposed to love and care for them.

In most developing countries, patients are now being given the attention they need. Doctors and other professionals are learning more about the different types of illnesses and how they can help in the most effective ways.

But, not all of the world is on the same level. Many countries still lack the technology and resources to fully understand the taboo subject of mental illness. Those suffering are still treated like animals. They are locked up, chained up, starved, and subjected cruel and ineffective therapy.

Indonesia is one of these countries. Only been in the last few years have doctors here begun to take the time to understand and learn more about mental illness. It has not been a major priority of the Indonesian government.

Most residents of Indonesia have no real understanding of mental illness. People believe that the issue is a spiritual one and turn to “spiritual healers” instead of doctors. They believe that those  suffering from mental diseases are cursed or under the influence of black magic. This is one of the most prevalent reasons people with mental illnesses are treated inappropriately.

The government’s lack of investment in healthcare also contributes significantly to the issue.  According to Sara Schonhardt of the Global Post, “Only 2.3 percent of the total national budget goes toward health care; less than 1 percent of that amount is put toward mental health.” The government does not give enough funds to the health care system, which results in a lack of doctors, technology, medication, and other necessities.

However, with more influence from the western world, many topics that were once avoided are now receiving attention. More and more doctors, nurses, and considerate citizens are getting involved, looking for better answers and ways to help their country grow. Dr. Irmansyah, the director of health in Indonesia said, “Awareness is rising that restraints are against human rights.”

WHO (World Health Organization) has also stepped into the situation. At the start of 2013, they announced their seven year plan to improve the state of healthcare for the mental ill worldwide. Their goal is to provide everyone with a mental illness the proper care they need.

Even though it comes as a surprise that these ways of treating the mentally disabled still exist in the world, in places like Indonesia, hope is rising. As people continue to learn, talk and help, the situation will change, and one problem that humanity faces will face its end.

Sources

Indonesia: Mentally ill still live in chains by Sara Schondart

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/asia-pacific/indonesia/110907/indonesia-mental-health-schizophrenia

Clinics need to learn more about mental disorder problem

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/05/23/clinics-need-learn-more-about-mental-disorder-problem.html

Shackled to ignorance by Tom Allard

http://www.theage.com.au/world/shackled-to-ignorance-20100618-ymx3.html

Robert Lemelson: Filming mental illness by Mary Baines

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/02/18/robert-lemelson-filming-mental-illness.html

Photostory of Axel from Jakarta!

Video from jakarta!

Love from Thailand!

 I have been in Chaing Mai, Thailand for almost two weeks now. I am really enjoying myself. The city is full of beauty and it's been really fun exploring around. Last weekend was Thai New Year. IT IS THE FUNNEST NEW YEARS FEST EVER!!! for four days the whole country has a huge water fight! people walk around with water guns, the cities fill up huge water bins and people load up pick-up trucks and just throw water around. It is a great way to beat the heat and to let your hair down and have fun. In class we are learning about worldview, we covered world religions and we are now looking at world politics...super interesting! It is also my birthday week, so thats been a blast and this upcoming sunday, my birthday, I get the opportunity to go and play with tigers, yay! #YOLO #FISH #HAM! Overall, i am loving thai culture, thai people and thailand!

VIDEO UPDATE!!!! YESSSS!!!!

Life in Lima

I lived in Lima for two weeks and here I got to working with homeless people who are addicted to drugs, children who have to work during the night cleaning cars to provide for their families, and families that live in slums around the city. It was a hard too weeks, but was so worth it and truly an amazing experience. 

Last night in Lima, with some amazing people, who I miss so much! 

Franko, a six year old boy who lives in a slum in Lima. 

Joseph, a nine year old who lives in the slums. 

One example of a house in a slum 

A real Puma in the WILD...ok it was in the zoo.

Matthew (five years old), just spending time with his family outside their house in one of Lima's biggest slums. 

Matthew and his brother, Hector, playing together. 

Hector with is grandmother 

Landscape from the Lima zoo. 

A monkey playing in his cage at the zoo.

The cutest little guy, just chill in be hide the glass. 

Parrot just wanting some freedom.

Typical restaurant in a market in Lima.

Purple corn used to make a popular drink in Peru.