Be a Volunteer Physiotherapist in Togo

Volunteer as a physiotherapist in Togo

This volunteer physiotherapy project involves working with children and families with physical and mental disabilities. You can get involved with an NGO based in Lome, Togo.

The NGO suffers from a lack of funding and the families of disabled children get no government aid. This is where volunteers can make a real difference. You can help treat more children and also take part in home visits to reduce transport costs for the families.

This project is perfect for anyone considering voluntary work abroad or physiotherapists on a career break.

Here you will find answers to the following questions:

How can volunteer physiotherapists help in Togo?

What will I gain from this project?

What will Projects Abroad PRO provide?

What skills or qualifications do I need?

How do I apply to join this project?

How can volunteer physiotherapists help in Togo?

You can use your knowledge and training to help local staff as a volunteer physiotherapist. You can work on tasks such as:

• Meeting with children and their families in order to provide screening and diagnosis of physical disabilities and injuries.
• Providing treatment for children with mental and physical disabilities through individual sessions.
• Providing guidance and advice for parents.
• Taking part in home visits in order to check on the progress of former patients.
• Holding workshops with local staff to discuss new ideas and treatments.

If you are interested in working with local schools then it may also be possible to set up workshops. This would involve posture training and also education on the subject of disability.

The organisation with which we work is a small, humanitarian NGO with limited funding. Its goal is to promote the development and independence of disabled people through speech therapeutic and physiotherapeutic methods. There are currently 5 members of staff working there and providing treatment. The aim is to provide volunteers so that the NGO can reach out to more children and handle a greater workload.

You will usually be expected to work in the morning from 8am to 12pm, Tuesday to Saturday (optional). On Saturdays there are usually more children because they don’t go to school. If you would like to work in the afternoons then there will also be sessions from 2.30-5pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

This project runs all year and we are completely flexible about dates. You decide how much time you can spare and we will help you get the most out of it.

What will I gain from this project?

Physiotherapy volunteer work in Togo

This voluntary work abroad will provide a real insight into the problems faced by patients and physiotherapists in the developing world. You will gain experience of treating patients with limited resources. You will also get to work alongside trained professionals who will want to share ideas. This can serve as an excellent learning opportunity and a chance to perform worthwhile work.

You can also learn about Togolese life and culture by spending time in the local community. Staff and children will want to hear about your life back home and your family and friends. We call this ‘cultural exchange’ and we think it helps our volunteers gain a new perspective on life.

What will Projects Abroad PRO provide?

We have over 19 years’ experience of running volunteer projects. We provide you with the following support to make sure your time in Togo is successful and enjoyable:

• Safe accommodation with a Togolese family close to your project.
• Friendly and dedicated local staff available to help 24 hours a day.
• A member of staff to meet you at the airport when you arrive.
• Comprehensive medical and travel insurance.
• Social events with other volunteers such as traditional cooking, dancing, djembe and local language lessons.

What skills or qualifications do I need?

If you have at least a Bachelors Degree in Physiotherapy or a related subject then you are perfectly suited for this project. You will also need to speak French to a high level.

Please contact us if you think your knowledge may be useful on this project but do not have the required qualifications.