Ambassadorial visit to Oakham School
19 September 2012
Oakham School was honoured to host the visit to the school of HE Pilar Saborio de Rocafort, Ambassador of Costa Rica to the Court of St James on 13 September 2012. Form 7 pupils who undertook medical and dental work experience in July in Costa Rica gave short presentations on their volunteering activities to current Sixth Formers, parents and staff. At the meeting, Ambassador Saborio gave a short talk informally entitled ‘Why Costa Rica is different’. She mentioned the fact that the country abolished the army many decades ago and founded a national Health Service which pre-dates the establishment of our own NHS. An important theme running through her remarks was that of social equality and how the long standing desire to attain it in Costa Rica partly explains why the country has been stable and, indeed, so happy for so long.
The pupil volunteers spoke movingly about their experience of Costa Rica, especially the work they had undertaken in a palliative care hospice and old people’s homes. Mention was made of the breath taking scenery and wildlife in Costa Rica, and the activities undertaken, including ‘zip lining’, surfing and trekking. Dr Nicoll described Costa Rica as ‘a most marvellous country’ and indicated it may be possible to arrange other medical / dental work overseas in the future. The meeting was concluded by the Headmaster who commended Oakhamians for their continued dedication to the service of others. We would like to thank the Ambassador for coming to Oakham School and for her interest and practical advice on working in Costa Rica. We also thank Gap Force for managing the trip, and the parents for their support in so many ways.
You can find out more about medicine and clinical opportunities from the careers pages.
