A Legacy of Continuous Development
Dulani Abeysinghe’s Reflection as an Educator
Dulani Abeysinghe plays a pivotal role in the eCALD Services team as our Educator and Co-design Lead. Since joining eCALD in a full-time capacity in January 2024, Dulani has consistently demonstrated excellence in her work, even amidst challenges in the wider environment. Her natural gift for teaching and her generous spirit in sharing knowledge have earned her widespread appreciation and glowing feedback from colleagues and learners alike.
Dulani shares her journey of growth with eCALD, reflecting on how she has evolved from a learner to an educator, and how she wishes to continue contributing to the development of culturally responsive education.
My first engagement with eCALD was in 2015 as a learner when I was working at Counties Manukau after returning from 7 years of working in Melbourne. I did 3 modules within a month. This was “Who knew that 10 years on”, I am celebrating eCALD’s 20th anniversary as a team member!
I was connected to Sue Lim towards the end of 2022 through Annette Mortensen who I knew from working at RASNZ. When Sue asked whether I was interested in facilitating Module 801-1 (Basic Competencies in Working with CALD Communities in a Mental Health & Addiction Context) and Module 801-2 (Basic Competencies in Working with Interpreters) as a contract educator, I had my hesitations as I never had seen myself as a group facilitator. I had pre-dominantly worked in individual settings up to that stage. In January 2024, I joined the service full time as the eCALD Educator.
I am incredibly honoured that Sue saw the potential in me. I am also very privileged to be working with Choi Kew, eCALD Manager, who trusts me and provides opportunities for me to continue push myself, learn new skills and improve myself. I maybe the eCALD Educator, but I am also constantly learning from the learners that participate in our courses.
eCALD has had an inspiring 20 years, with many achievements and celebrations amidst many challenges. It is a testament to passion, devotion, and innovation. As New Zealand continues to diversify exponentially, I feel very privileged to be part of eCALD and do my bit in enhancing health accessibility and delivery to our refugee and migrant populations.
