About the Project: Come to India and use your physiotherapy skills to help children in this ground breaking organisation in
Delhi. There is still a lot of ignorance towards people with disability in India and this forward thinking charitable school is one of very few that has mixed classes of disabled and able children. Alongside the usual activities of the school there is a physiotherapy department whose primary role is to help improve the children’s mobility and therefore their quality of life. The physio department also operates an out-patients clinic in the afternoons once school is finished for the local community.
You can undertake your physiotherapy elective at this project.
Your Role: Every disabled child in the school has an individual treatment plan
which may or may not include physiotherapy. Children come to the therapists during the mornings for treatment as required, (there is also an Occupational Therapist). You will work alongside the other physiotherapists at the school and treat the children as required under the guidance of the Head of Department.
If you wish to undertake your physio elective here we will confirm with the hospital that the syllabus you are following can be covered in the time you have in country. If you are a qualified physiotherapist you will meet with the Director of the Hospital and the head of department to develop a structured work program for the duration of your stay.
What you Gain: This is a fantastic gap year opportunity for anyone who enjoys working with children and young adults. It is an incredibly rewarding experience to be able to help improve the quality of life to some of the city’s most marginalized people.
Working in an environment with a mix of backgrounds and abilities will give you a perspective on the challenges that India as a nation faces in tackling so many development issues. Especially the rights of the 26 million disabled people living in the country now and the challenges they face in trying to be part of mainstream India.
This placement would of course give you valuable experience if you are a qualified physiotherapist or in training.
Skills and Experience Required:
You need:
- To be a part qualified or qualified Physiotherapist.
- To bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.
- To communicate clearly and effectively with children and members of staff.
- Have patience and a sympathetic ear while being able to maintain discipline.
- You do not need any prior experience or language certification as you’ll mainly speak English.
Accommodation: Wherever possible you will stay in an Indian home or share an apartment with other Gap year volunteers. Home-stay hosts are carefully selected for quality and safety and you would normally share a non-air conditioned room.