A pioneering physiotherapy project in Nepal offering practical work experience is highlighting the importance of volunteers.
The Self Help Group for Cerebral Palsy in Nepal is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation which is fully committed to helping children and adults with Cerebral Palsy and to providing emotional and practical support to their parents.
The centre aims to provide counselling, emotional support and practical advice to the parents of children with Cerebral Palsy. Every effort is made to fully involve the parents in their child's rehabilitation on a long-term basis. The centre's therapists create a treatment plan for each child; from this plan the parents can learn how to help their children with the exercises which help to keep the body flexible and prevent secondary disabilities.
In an industry where 68% of UK physiotherapy students failed to secure employment in 2007, this placement offers vital work experience for those looking to boost their CV.
Recent graduate Kerrie Roberts volunteered with Projects Abroad, the gap year organisation arranging the physiotherapy placements. She said “The physiotherapy project in Nepal was just fantastic! I had an amazing time, met some fantastic people and made friends for life during my two months volunteering. The staff at the hospital let me get really involved with the running of the department, and I gained experience to help me secure a job back in the UK. At weekends we also had the chance to explore what the country had to offer, too much for our short stay! A truly amazing two month!”.
Projects Abroad’s Director in Nepal, Sajani Amatya, is responsible for overseeing all projects in Kathmandu. She said “Projects Abroad volunteers are proving an extremely valuable resource for our partner organisations. There is a real shortage of physiotherapy skills and qualifications in Nepal, so each volunteer is able to help in a practical way. Some of the patients conditions can be quite shocking to volunteers but it provides them with a first rate physiotherapy experience”.
For further information about this and other Gap Year projects contact Projects Aboard on 01903 708300 or visit www.projects-
