Malawi

Jean Westmacott visited Malawi from 14th to 19th May on behalf of CPA.  Her mission was to find out as much as possible about what is being done in the country for children with cerebral palsy and what the needs for training are for those people who are working with the children.

She found a great deal being done in both Lilongwe and Blantyre though there are very few staff and a great number of children.  What impressed her was the great interest that all those working in this most difficult area have in learning how they can do the job better.

Training Programmes in Malawi

Elementary Course – February 2008
The course was held in the Kachere Rehabilitation Technicians School in Blantyre. There were 18 participants. Some were physiotherapists, some occupational therapists, some rehabilitation technicians and some rehabilitation assistants. Three of the physios and the two OTs were lecturers in the Rehabilitation Technicians’ School. The course was very ably organised by Ceadric Pahuwa, the Principal of the School.

The participants liked the interactive presentation style and also indicated that they benefited from information about levels of ability and setting functional goals. “I liked everything in the course particularly the practical sessions. The cooperation from the mothers/caregivers was lovely”
“My approach, attitude towards the children and their guardians will change because I now know what stress they undergo in their lives”