We train prosthetist-orthotists and other rehabilitation specialists from developing countries
Prosthetist-orthotists are specialists who prescribe and fit artificial limbs and orthopaedic braces. These skills are vital for the rehabilitation of people affected by landmines and ERW, conflict, disasters, traffic accidents and conditions such as polio, leprosy and cerebral palsy. There is a severe shortage of these skills in the developing world. Read more
Cambodia
We established the Cambodian School of Prosthetics and Orthotics (CSPO) in 1994 to train students from Cambodia and other low income countries. We have now trained enough Cambodian prosthetist-orthotists to staff all the rehabilitation centres across the country. CSPO is now playing an important regional role in the field of prosthetics and orthotics, training students from many developing countries such as Timor Leste and Iraq and facilitating staff exchanges and regional co-operation. CSPO provides training for around 36 students a year, with 10-12 graduating each year. Read more
Sri Lanka
In 2004 we established the Sri Lanka School of Prosthetics and Orthotics, in partnership with the Sri Lankan Government and the Nippon Foundation of Japan. Up to March 2008, 38 students have begun their studies. Sri Lanka needs around 115 prosthetist-orthotists to provide rehabilitation services for its large disabled population, which includes many victims of conflict and the tsunami. Read more or watch the short film below, which shows a young boy taking his first steps thanks to a new prosthetic limb.
Timor Leste
In 2005 we opened a rehabilitation centre in Timor Leste as a partnership project. One East Timorese national has graduated from CSPO and has now returned home to work in the rehabilitation centre, as the first qualified East Timorese prosthetist-orthotist. Two more students are currently studying at CSPO and four students are studying in Indonesia to become occupational therapists or physiotherapists. Read more
Indonesia
In 2009 we opened our third training school, the Jakarta School of Prosthetics and Orthotics. This is Indonesia's first such education centre for prosthetics/orthotics. With a population of 240 million, Indonesia has around 2 million people needing artificial limbs and braces. Read more
The Philippines
In 2010 we began the process of establishing the Philippine School of Prosthetics and Orthotics (PSPO) in partnership with the Nippon Foundation and the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center Inc. (UERMMMCI). The Philippine School of Prosthetics and Orthotics (PSPO) is the first training centre of its kind in the country. PSPO is the fourth school established by the Cambodia Trust in partnership with the Nippon Foundation. Read more
In addition to prosthetist-orthotists, we are training physiotherapists, technicians, administrators and managers, ensuring that our projects can eventually be handed over to local staff.
