In 2006, Nelson da Silva became the first person from Timor Leste to graduate from CSPO; our School of Prosthetics and Orthotics in Phnom Penh. The qualification and experience he received allowed him to return to Dili to develop physical rehabilitation services with the Cambodia Trust’s partner organisation, ASSERT.
In February 2009, Nelson returned to Cambodia to spend one month with the Cambodia Trust to further develop his orthotics skills and to ensure that he continues to offer the best solutions to the many patients in Timor Leste affected by cerebral palsy, club foot, leprosy and polio.
Nelson, who contracted polio as a child, understands the importance of good orthotics and knows the benefits they bring.
"In Timor Leste we have many people living with the effects of club foot, polio, leprosy and cerebral palsy. Spending time with my colleagues in Cambodia gives me an opportunity to further develop my skills towards ensuring clients in my home country receive the best possible treatment.
"I received my first orthotic brace when I was 10 years old, but this involved a trip to Indonesia; returning each year for repairs and adjustments as my body developed. However, even this option came to an end in 1999 when the situation between Timor Leste and Indonesia deteriorated. During this time I was forced to repair my own orthosis."
Cambodia Trust and ASSERT co-founder Dr Peter Carey (left) with Nelson at his home in Timor Leste
Nelson was drawn to the profession through this own experience, as well as his country’s desperate need for physical rehabilitation services.
"My interest to become a prosthetist-orthotst grew from a combination of living with a disability and experiencing at first hand the lack of services available in my country. I really enjoy my job and want to continue helping persons with disabilities in East Timor."
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Nelson during his studies at CSPO
