Faculty-Led | Health Science
Overview
This faculty-led program provides an opportunity for rehabilitation therapists in training (Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Speech & Language Pathology students) to engage with their fields of study within an emerging country context. Participants will be able to compare and contrast the similarities and differences of therapy practice in Tanzania with their country of origin/study. As students spend time with local professionals and health workers, they will gain valuable insight into different practices and methodologies that are effective in developing countries while utilizing locally available knowledge and resources.
Why Arusha?
For the most part, students will be based in Arusha which sits in the shadows of Mt. Meru, on the edge of the eastern branch of the Great African Rift Valley. Arusha is a medical hub, and is home to several public and private hospitals, clinics and NGO’s that students can engage with. Arusha is, moreover, a culturally-diverse city with a Tanzanian population from a variety of backgrounds; including indigenous African, Arab-Tanzanian and Indian-Tanzanian, and is the perfect place from which to study the various cultural factors that influence rehabilitation therapies in the region.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this program, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate insight into the practice of Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Speech & Language Pathology in a developing country
- Develop an understanding of the cultural perceptions surrounding disabilities and healthcare in Tanzania
- Demonstrate the ability to holistically contextualize the challenges of healthcare and disability in Tanzania
- Broaden professional perspectives through mentorship from people and organizations that are dedicated to providing education, vocational training and employment for people with disabilities
- Develop empathy and cross-cultural responsiveness through assisting professionals with their patients in a multilingual, cross-cultural environment
Note: Specific learning outcomes and activities can be constructed in collaboration with EDU Africa’s dedicated curriculum development team.
Contributors
Kristen Connolly
Kristen is a Doctor of Physical Therapy practicing in the United States. She grew up in New York, but her love of the mountains and outdoors brought her to Washington State. Kristen’s passion in rehabilitation and medicine is pediatrics, yet she has experience working with a variety of populations. She volunteered in Tanzania as a licensed Physical Therapist for the first time in April 2016, and her passion for teaching and traveling has inspired her to continue leading educational modules and programs abroad.
When Kristen is not lending a helping hand, she’s writing, taking photos, drawing, or outside climbing and mountaineering! Kristen’s mission is to grow and learn alongside individuals from other cultures and backgrounds in effort to create sustainable, conscious outreach to communities in need.
Margaret Kenyi
Margaret has a Master’s degree in chemistry and a diploma in Education. She was the Education Program Manager of an International NGO but decided to leave that career path to pursue Special Education in order to provide education and a flourishing life for her autistic daughter Ruth. She is now the Executive Director of Step By Step Learning Centre which has been providing education and medical care to children with disabilites since 2005.
What she loves most about her work is watching her students begin to improve from the work at SSLC after being put down by their challenges and the difficult world around them
Customize Your Program
Our friendly and experienced team will work closely with you from conceptualization to execution, ensuring that each faculty-led program achieves your specific learning goals. We pride ourselves in our ability to create unique, sustainable and truly African transformative learning journeys.
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