As part of the World Occupational Therapy Day celebrations on 27th October 2024, a group of twenty students from Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) participated in a meaningful outreach initiative at a local rehabilitation hospital.
The students are the first-ever cohort from the newly started Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) programme in the country.
This event highlighted the significance of occupational therapy (OT) and provided students with invaluable hands-on experience while contributing positively to their community.
World Occupational Therapy Day is celebrated annually on 27th October, with the aim of raising awareness of the role of OT in enhancing well-being, promoting function and engaging patients/ clients through meaningful occupations.
In 2024 the theme was: ‘Occupational Therapy for All’ so it was fitting that the students went to the Rehabilitation facility to engage with in-patients, demonstrating the desire to make OT accessible to all. In keeping with the day’s objectives, the KUHeS students engaged with inpatients at the rehabilitation hospital, providing support through various therapeutic activities i.e. cooking, self-care and games. Through these activities the students gained practical skills and developed a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals undergoing rehabilitation. The KUHeS students’ interaction with the in-patients at the rehabilitation hospital highlighted the essence of World OT Day as it promoted awareness of the OT profession, whilst providing meaningful service to those who needed it.
Students pose with Sally Palmer, lecturer & The first ever cohort of OT student in Malawi
Patient and student engage in a game of Bao (local game) & Patient cooking lunch with support from student