March 2015: Spinal Orthotics Blended Learning (SOBL)

The first f2f workshop  for the fifrth intake of participants attending Spinal Orthotic Blended Learning was held at TATCOT as from 2nd-4th March 2015. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has continued to extend its support to the majority of participants attending the course. The course is planed to continue runing until 2nd October 2015 and drew participants from Gaza (2), Sudan (2) and Kenya (1), Yemen (1) and Tanzania (1). The second f2f workshop will be conducted at TATCOT as from 1st September 2015 to 2nd October 2015

November 2014: 15th Graduation ceremony (KCMUCO)

The 15th graduation ceremony of Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCO) took place on 8th November 2014. Total number of nine (9) candidates were awarded BSc Degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics of Tumaini University Makumira. The distribution of graduates per country is as outlined herewith; Tanzania (3),Kenya (2), Indonesia (1),Pakistan (1),Sierraleone (1) and Zambia (1)

November 2013: 14th Graduation ceremony (KCMUCO)

The 14th graduation ceremony of Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCO) took place on 9th November 2013.
In the year 2013 a total number of eleven (11) candidates were awarded BSc Degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics of Tumaini University Makumira. The distribution of candidates per country of origin is as outlined below;
Tannzania (4), Indonesia (2), Zambia (1), Senegal (1), Cambodia (1), Pakistan (1) and Iraq (1)

                         

November 2012: 13th Graduation Ceremony (KCMUCO) 

The 13th graduation ceremony of Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCO) took place on 10th November 2012. As every year the event started by academic procession from the college building and ended in the graduation ceremony grounds at KCMC.

In the year 2012 a total number of  thirteen (13) candidates were awarded BSc degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics. The graduates came from Tanzania and other countries as indicated:
Tanzania 2 graduates, South Africa 6 graduates, Indonesia 2 graduates, Namibia 1 graduate, Malawi 1 graduate and Vietnam 1 graduate.
   
              

November 2012: Spinal Orthotic Blended Learning (SOBL)

The first f2f workshop  for the fourth group of participants attending Spinal Orthotic Blended Learning was held at TATCOT as from 6th-8th November 2012. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has supported all the nine (9) participants attending the course. This course is planed to continue runing until June 2013 and drew participants from Pakistan (6), Sudan (2) and Ivory Coast (1). The second f2f workshop will be conducted at TATCOT in June 2013
           
 

March 2012: South to North exchange programme, outcome

The second round of the exchange programme between Sophies Minde and TATCOT started on 20 October 2011.

In addition to the teachers exchange programme, in which Mr. Torsten Appenzeller took over the teaching activities in clinical and theoretical subjects for the third year of the P&O degree course at TATCOT, Ms Elianaso Malisa from TATCOT is participating in upper limb activities at Sophies Minde in Oslo, Norway until September 2012, Mr Ingi Mayo is teaching at CSPO in Cambodia and Mr Phearsa Thor from CSPO has taken over teaching activities at TATCOT, a one week workshop on specific clinical topics also held in TATCOT.

TATCOT had the pleasure to welcome Mr Andreas Huck from Sophies Minde Clinical Workshop, Oslo, who is a highly qualified Category  I Prosthetist/Orthotist. Andreas conducted a one week workshop from 12^th to 16^th March 2012 and taught the MAS special ischial containment socket design for transfemoral amputees to all the TATCOT teachers who are involved in practical training in the P&O degree course.

IC-socket design is one of the major practical topics taught in the third and fourth year degree course and therefore emphasis was taken to instruct the teachers as thoroughly as possible. The opportunity of having this workshop provided the participating teaching staff with information about the differences of the MAS socket design compared to other IC-socket shapes. A systematic measurement and casting approach was taught together with an explanation about the function of the MAS socket shape.

The Marlo Anatomical Socket (MAS) technique was developed by engineer-prosthetist Marlo Ortiz, who was trying to create a more intimately fitting socket for patients in his Guadalajara, Mexico practice. In comparison to current IC designs,the MAS configuration provides significantly more skeletal support along the medial ischioramal complex. The MAS socket encapsulates the medial and inferior IRC, containing the skeletal anatomy and enhancing femoral stabilization. In the MAS design, the posterior aspect of the ischium is not included in the socket. This configuration permits the patient to extend the ipsilateral hip joint without any restriction, resulting in a longer, more normal stride length on the prosthesis. The secure IRC containment of the MAS design eliminates the need to use the gluteus maximus muscle for weight bearing.

The clinical result, of the three fitted clients was a very stable, comfortable, and secure socket that held the femur in a physiologically adducted position. This permitted the amputee to walk with an energy efficient narrow based gait.

Andreas Huck has transferred the necessary knowledge to the workshop participants in a manner that will be able to implement in the new academic year.

TATCOT would like to thank Andreas for his engagement in the preparation and guidance during the seminar. Special thanks are due to Sophie Minde, Oslo, which enabled his travel and released him for this very important activity at TATCOT.

Feb 2012: Tanzania Grant from PORT-ER. Where mobility matters

In the first newsletter of 2012, PORT-ER, a UK-based charity published a report about a grant given to TATCOT for the assistance of children with physical disabilities:

Tanzania grant final report

In February 2011 we provided a grant to the Tanzania Centre for Orthopaedic Technology to provide equipment for local people with disabilities. The assessment, design, fabrication, fitting and delivery of all the assistive devices were done by TATCOT Students under close supervision of Clinical/Practical Instructors. The students had very challenging cases and needed to consider a combination of mobility device designs. The request was positively received by PORT-ER and clients with complex deformities and especially those who could not afford to pay for the assistive devices were included into the project.

TATCOT reported that the support provided in this project has

• Enabled children and middle-aged adult in acquiring assistive devices otherwise they would continue to have a high limitation of performance.
• Enlightened and motivated the school authority to visit schools and other community based centres which are supporting people with physical disabilities and establish collaboration for students community based training, accessing a high number or cases including complex cases who would benefit from a rehabilitation team approach.
• Enlightened the institutions on the available services in technical orthopaedics to improve the life of people with disabilities.
• Provoked the need of national institutions/organizations to establish community based programmes and service facilities for their own people with physical disabilities within the community.

TATCOT wishes to recommend the followings:

• Continue support of a number of others who are looking forward for such an opportunity.
• Enable the school in collaboration with identified centres to set up medium size service facilities and avoiding long distance transport costs, but also opening up opportunities for clinical/field attachment for students and employment.
• Support small scale surveys of a sampled district within a region to establish the number of persons with physical disabilities.

PORT-ER, with your help, wishes to support similar grant applications in the future.

Download the newsletter of the charity PORT-ER No 1: 2012 (PDF-document, 4 pages, 1.156KB)

Nov 2011: 12th Graduation Ceremony, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College

The 12^th graduation ceremony of Tumaini university took place on 12^th November 2011. As every year the programme started with the academic procession in front of the college building. It was led by "Mace Bearer and Book", with the accompaniment of a brass band music.

This year's invited guest speaker was Prof. John F. Shao, followed by the Vice Chancellor of Tumaini University, who called the Provost of KCMU College to invite Deans of faculties and Director Postgraduate Studies to call before the congregation the graduates for the awards of diplomas, degrees and masters Degrees of Tumaini University of the following professions:

• Diploma in Occupational Therapy
• Diploma in Health Labaratory Sciences
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy
• Bachelor of Science in Health Laboratory Sciences
• Bachelor of Science in Prosthetics & Orthotics
• Doctor of Medicine
• Master of Public Health
• Master of Science in Clinical Research
• Master of Science in Medical Parasitology & Entomology
• Master of Medicine
• Doctor of Philosophy

The Chancellor of Tumaini University announced that, in the year 2011, eight candidates satisfied the requirements for the award of Bachelor of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics of Tumaini University. The Chancellor of the Tumaini University presented the eight names who have qualified for the award of Bachelor of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics:

• Damiano Maina Mwangi, Kenya
• Devis Genes Shirima, Tanzania
• Eskender Assefa, Ethiopia
• Fortunatus T. Gitarda, Tanzania
• Hopolang Remembrance Motsoko, South Africa
• Lightness William, Tanzania
• Lina Salum,Tanzania

TATCOT is wishing all graduates of the Degree course in Prosthetics and Orthotics a successful start in their new job carrier. May they not forget to provide the best service to clients with physical disabilities.

September 2011: 6th International Congress of FATO, Arusha, Tanzania

Download the TATCOT FATO Newsletter October 2011 (PDF-document, 20 pages, 2.000 KB)

July 2011: South to North exchange programme, outcome

South-North placement at Sophies Minde and Oslo University gait laboratory (Rikshospital) and TATCOT, Moshi

The first round of the South-North exchange programme between the two Institutions started in March 2010 and May 2010 by having Ms Siv Elizabeth Ulstein placement at TATCOT and Mr Longini Mtalo at Sophies Minde respectively. The main objectives of Mr Mtalos one year stay in Norway was among others to acquaint him to operate, run and manage different operations in gait laboratory.

The Oslo University gait laboratory mainly focus on children with cerebral palsy and Mr Mtalo had the opportunity to participate in day to day activities related to different procedures that happen at gait laboratory. The major tasks that was carried out at Oslo University gait laboratory included among others:

• Physical examination
• Marker placement protocol and procedure
• Data capturing
• Data processing
• Polygon report writing and interpretation

The mission was to build tatcot capacity to enable smooth running of tatcot gait laboratory

Tatcot gait laboratory

The Tatcot gait laboratory has been in existence since 2007. The equipments were initially donated by ISB and Vicon. Since then there has been a lot of struggle to operationalize it. The opportunity that came from the Fredskorpset (fk) exchange programme has enhanced the dream and we have now started using it. The International Society of Biomechanics (ISB) organized a visit by one of its expert to visit TATCOT in early July 2011 to assist with updating and setting up the gait laboratory. Mr. Leendert Schaake from Roessingh Research and Development (Netherlands) visited us as from 23^rd June to 2^nd July 2011. The major activities carried out were as follows:

• Reinstallation of the two AMTI force plateforms
• Update of the workstation to Vicon nexus 1.7.1
• Training on Vicon software

After the ISB visit we have been able to conduct the following activities and we will continue with more scheduled sessions with Academic staff, Tatcot students and Tumaini University (KCM-College) students. A seminar for the TATCOT academic staff members was carried out on 23^rd July in the following areas:

• Marker placement protocol and procedure
• Data capturing
• Data processing
• Polygon report writing

18^th - 22^nd July 2011 Lower limb orthotic technology

During Mr Mtalos stay in Norway he had also opportunity to learn modern technology in materials that are used to fabricate lower limb orthotics. At Sophies Minde Orthopaedic department he learned practical manufacturing of Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis using thermosetting material (carbon lamination technique). This technology has been transferred to Tatcot teachers and 3rd year KCM-College B.Sc students in Prosthetics and Orthotics.

The second round of exchange programme between Sophies Minde and TATCOT will start in October 20. 2011. Mr Torsten Appenzeller, will come and take over teaching activities in clinical and theoretical subjects for the P&O degree course. At the same time a staff member from TATCOT, Ms Elianaso Malisa will participate in upper limb activities at Sophies Minde in Oslo, Norway. The period of this exchange will be 12 months.

May 2011: 6th International Conference on ICT for Development, Education & Training

TATCOT participation at the 6^th International Conference on ICT for Development, Education and Training

The key networking event for developing eLearning capacities in Africa was held in Dar es Salaam at Mlimani City Conference Centre from May 25 - 27, 2011. It was a great opportunity for the TATCOT blended learning development staff to attend and participate in this event.

The 6^th International Conference provided a comprehensive programme about the developments in ICT for education and training. It comprised plenary sessions, workshops and a very large exhibition. TATCOT was present at the booth of GIZ and Common Sense, both of whom are partners in the development of the blended learning programme in Spinal Orthotics and the other courses such as Lower Limb Orthotics, Lower Limb Prosthetics and Upper Limb Prosthetics. The Spinal Orthotics programme was presented to a large group of interested congress participants and additional information was gathered to improve the development procedures of the other blended learning course programmes.

With the support of GIZ three staff members were able to attend this very important event. We thank GIZ for its support and also for sponsoring the development of the additional courses mentioned above.

February 2011: Third blended learning course completed

A total number of 10 participants attended the first face-to-face workshop held in June 2010. The course began in June 2010 after the students attended a three days face-to-face introductory workshop. All participants completed their tasks for the theoretical subjects, including assignments, chat room sessions and participation in the discussion forum, before they were allowed to attend the concluding face-to-face practical workshop and final examination from 11^th January to 12^th February 2011.

The final clinical examinations consisted of the students examining and fitting a patient with an orthosis and then making a clinical presentation to the examiners. This was followed by a written theoretical examination. The performance in both examinations was very good and all the candidates passed.

After completion of the examination and the compilation of the results, participants were presented with a Certificate. The graduates of all three courses will be awarded an international certificate by ISPO which will serve to certify that they have successful completed a single discipline modular course in blended learning.

November 2010: 11th Graduation Ceremony - Tumaini University - KCM-College

The 11th Graduation Ceremony was attended by various dignitaries from the United Republic of Tanzania and other Universities within and outside the country.

With the support of GIZ three staff members were able to attend this very important event. We thank GIZ for its support and also for sponsoring the development of the additional courses mentioned above.

Graduates of the Degree Course  in Prosthetic and Orthotics Sciences Tumaini University - KCM College

With the support of GIZ three staff members were able to attend this very important event. We thank GIZ for its support and also for sponsoring the development of the additional courses mentioned above.

The Prosthetics and Orthotics Programme of the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, KCM-College, had ten graduates who were awarded a BSc in Prosthetics and Orthotics of Tumaini University. The Dean of the Faculty, H G Shangali,fourth from left in the group picture.

August 2010: Congratulation to Ms Saria Salome, TATCOT teacher

Ms. Saria Salome has completed her studies in Health Systems Approach to HIV and AIDS Care Management at the University of Manchester. She has been awarded a DIPLOMA OF HIGHER EDUCATION after a programme of study at - Milmay International. The TATCOT Management Team is very proud on her achievements and wishes her all the best for her future professional carrier.

January 2010: Tatcot Basic Wheelchair and Seating Clinical Training 25th-29th

Introduction:

Basic wheelchair and seating clinical skills play a great role in wheelchair service provision. In most cases there is a big gap in the existing rehabilitation service provision to people in need of wheelchairs and seating devices in less resourced countries.

Most of the wheelchairs and seating devices available in developing countries are distributed without following medical advice and ethics and are not appropriate for the users often leading to secondary complications.

Because of this, TATCOT in collaboration with Motivation Charitable Trust, has developed a curriculum to meet this need The training is divided into three major levels:

• Basic level
• Intermediate level
• Advanced level

January 2010: 23rd TATCOT Advisory Board Meeting 14th January 2010

The 23^rd TATCOT Advisory Board meeting was held on 14^th January 2010 as scheduled. The board meeting was attended by various members from the following Institutions:

• Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
• Good Samaritan Foundation of Tanzania (GSF)
• Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI)
• Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College (KCM-College)
• Kilimanjaro Association of Spinal Cord Injury (KASI)
• Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences (MUHAS)

Among other issues discussed the school was commended for having achieved most of her objectives for the past year which included among others:

• Good academic performances by students in the various programmes
• Overall management of the planned activities for the previous year

The board approved the implementation of the proposed activities for the coming year in the following areas:

• Academic Staff development plans
• The future plans for school development

Nevertheless the school was challenged to embark on the following issues:

• Explore more avenues to partner organizations to support students in the various programmes
• Explore in liaison with Ministry of Health and Social Welfare the possibility to recruit young staff members so as to increase the current number of academic staff
• 
  

January 2010: Worskop on MOODLE and eLearning at TATCOT 5th - 8th January 2010

The TATCOT eLearning team of H.G.Shangali, L.B. Mtalo, Violet Thadei and W. Raab attended a four days workshop presented by Arndt Bubenzer and his wife, Andrea, from Common Sense, Vienna, Austria.

The very comprehensive programme provided information to the team about the possible use of a MOODLE server for TATCOT�^TMs intranet and about new tools that could be used for the creation of online eLearning modules.

The installation and use of a server is a project which TATCOT has been considering for a long time. The installation of a server is essential to create an educational materials resource for use by the teachers as well as a learning tool for students who would have access to it through the computing room in the Resource Centre. The MOODLE server would open up online learning to all the students at TATCOT as well as providing the possibility on online tests and examinations. This development would facilitate online interactive training methods which are new to the field of prosthetics and orthotics in developing countries.

Apart from the MOODLE server training the eLearning team was able to develop further modules and expand the online course package offered by TATCOT to include:

• Spinal Orthotics
• Lower Limb Prosthetics
• Lower Limb Orthotics
• Upper Limb Orthotics and Prosthetics

Candidates who complete all four modules will be entitled to hold a Diploma in Orthopaedic Technology. Application is being made to the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO) for endorsement and recognition of these modules.

The eLearning team greatly appreciates the competent way lead Arndt and Andrea Bubenzer led the workshop and would like to thank them for their very valuable contribution.

TATCOT would also like to thank InWEnt/German Development Cooperation, which financed the workshop and enabled the team to reinforce its knowledge.

December 2009: World AIDS Day 1st December 2009

Understanding the facts about AIDS is the key to fighting prejudice and protecting oneself and others.

TATCOT Staff and Students of the different courses have formed a living sculpture of the AIDS ribbon symbol. TATCOT supports soidarity and against discrimination of people with HIV and AIDS.

November 2009: 10th Graduation Ceremony

The Chancellor of Tumaini University, Rev. Bishop Alex. G. Malasusa, conferred various Degrees and Diplomas to the various programmes at KCM-College as follows:

• Diploma in Occupational Therapy
• Diploma in Health Laboratory Sciences
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy
• Bachelor of Science in Health Laboratory Sciences
• Bachelor of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics
• Doctor of Medicine Degree
• Master of Public Health
• Master of Science in Urology
• Master of Science in Clinical Research
• Master of Science in Medical Parasitology and Entomology
• Master of Medicine

The Graduation Ceremony was attended by various dignitaries from the United Republic of Tanzania and other Universities within and outside the country.

The Prosthetics and Orthotics Programme of the Faculty ofRehabilitation Medicine, KCM-College, had seven graduates who were awarded a BSc in Prosthetics and Orthotics of Tumaini University

November 2009: Website maintenance workshop for staff members at TATCOT

Parallel to the launch of the new TATCOT website, a 2-day website maintenance workshop was held for selected staff members. For 2 days, Mr. Longini B. Mtalo, Mrs. Violet Mwaijande, Mr. Exaud Y. Kasegezya and Mrs Lilian Kawishe participated in this event. The focus of this workshop was on:

• Editing pictures to a suitable format for the website
• Editing the text on the web pages
• Test and transfer the results to the TATCOT web server in Arusha.

The workshop was led by Mr. Werner Kirchmann, an IT consultant from Germany.

October 2009: Second blended learning course completed

The first group of students who attended the Spinal Orthotics Course (SOC) completed their course successfully in 2008 and the second group started in February and ended in October 2009.

A total number of 15 applications were received of which 2 could not attend the first face-to-face workshop held in February 2009 and were therefore not allowed to attend the course. The course had six theoretical subjects online, and began in March 2009 after the students attended a three days face-to-face introductory workshop in February 2009. All participants completed their tasks for the theoretical subjects, including assignments, chatroom sessions and participation in the discussion forum, before they were allowed to attend the concluding face-to-face practical workshop and final examination.

The final clinical examinations consisted of the students examining and fitting a patient with an orthosis and then making a clinical presentation to the examiners. This was followed by a written theoretical examination. The performance in both examinations was very good and all the candidates passed.

After completion of the examination and the compilation of the results, participants were presented with a Certificate. A list of all the successful candidates who completed the two courses has been sent to the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO) for its approval and TATCOT is expecting ISPO recognition of the course shortly. It is anticipated that the graduates of both courses will be awarded an international certificate by ISPO which will serve to certify that they have successful completed a single discipline modular course in blended learning.

After a very successful development phase of the course and two successfully completed courses, the demand by professionals to join a new course in Spinal Orthotics is rather high. TATCOT has therefore planned to launch a new SOC in February 2010.

October 2009: Fit For Life intermediate training at TATCOT-KCMC

The aim of this intermediate level course was to equip participants with the clinical knowledge and skills to deliver a professional wheelchair and seating service to clients with moderate postural support needs.

The target group for the training was for the persons involved in physical rehabilitation including the following:

• Physiotherapists
• Occupational therapists
• Prosthetists/Orthotists
• Wheelchair technologists

A total number of 13 participants from Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique and Togo attended the course

September 2009: Children's wheelchair training report Lorewo, Namibia

There is a great demand of wheelchairs for people with mobility disabilities in developing countries. Mobility impaired persons face many challenges in being able to get from one place to another to allow independence and inclusion.

Some of the challenges faced are:

• Lack of appropriate devices
• Lack of professional service providers
• Poverty

Most of the wheelchairs available in the African continent are donated from western industrial countries whose environment and economy is sound compared to the rough terrains and low economies of most African countries. The donated wheelchairs do not last long as they are not designed for the rough environment; they are also supplied without spare parts for replacement in cases of breakdown which returns the user to immobility and stigma.

Among the people facing such problems are children. Donated wheelchairs are mostly for adults and are distributed without following clinical ethics and when they are provided to children they are too large for them. Therefore most of the mobility disabled children remain indoors without attending schools, playing with their friends and enjoying their daily living freedom.

SINTEF (a Norwegian organization) which supports the Lorewo Wheelchair Workshops in Namibia and Zimbabwe requested the Tanzania Training Centre for Orthopaedic Technologists (TATCOT) to conduct a short training course in children's wheelchair fabrication at Lorewo, Oshakati Hospital, Namibia to meet children's needs in Namibia. The workshop has 7 staff, a manager, coordinator, two wheelchair technologists and three technicians.

Mr. Yona E. Gyunda (a wheelchair technology tutor) from TATCOT presented the training course which ran from14th September to 24th September 2009.

The training was divided into three parts:

• Training in adult's four wheeler foldable wheelchair fabrication
• Training in children's four wheeler foldable wheelchair
• Training in three wheeler non-foldable children's wheelchair fabrication

August 2009: Final Examination of the BSc Course in Prosthetics and Orthotics

Patient presentation and research presentation.

External examiner:  Mrs. Sandra Sexton, Director of the National Centre for Prosthetics and Orthotics, Strathclyde University, Glasgow, Scotland.

Sandra Sexton has been appointed  by Tumaini University as external examiner of the BSc Programme in P & O in 2008 for a period of three years. From 10^th to 12^th August 2009, she attended the final clinical presentation and research presentation .

Sandra Sexton chaired the Board of Examiners durng the clinical presentations and led the questions in biomechanics and prosthetics and orthotics theory. The Board of Examiners consisted of one orthopaedic surgeon, three lecturers in P & O from Tumaini University, one physiotherapist  and Sandra Sexton. Of the nine students who presented for the final examination, two failed the practical part and have to repeat the final year.

The recommendations of the external examiner have been well received by the Faculty and will be taken into consideration for the next final examination in August 2010.

The Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine appreciates the hard work carried out by Sandra Sexton.

March 2009: TATCOT participation in the KCMC Day Exhibition

Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) has a tradition of displaying and disseminating information on the training, research, medical and other allied health services provided to the general public at the KCMC Day Exhibition.

Some of the clients who benefited from the training through getting supportive seating devices. The training was funded by TATCOT through Human Right Tanzania (HRT) in collaboration with Motivation Africa.

TATCOT, as one of the training centres within the campus, joined the others in educating the general public on the services available for people with physical disabilities. Information was displayed at the TATCOT booth as well as showing people with different pathologies who demonstrated their physical deficiencies. These individuals were later on fitted with assistive devices which enabled them to perform the different activities of their daily life.

March 2009: South meets East

In mid-March 2009 the University of Labour and Social Affairs (ULSA), Hanoi, Vietnam made a request related to the development of education, training and establishment of an advanced training programme in prosthetics and orthotics. Two senior consultants, Mr Harold G Shangali, Dean of the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, KCM College and Mr Wilfried Raab, Senior Instructor/Lecturer of the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, KCM-College, were entrusted to carry out the work. This has resulted in positive future collaborative activities in continuing education and the development of advanced training programmes.

February 2009: Second eLearning course in spinal orthotics

During the last week in February 2009 an introductory workshop was held at TATCOT to instruct the new participants to the blended learning tools of the Global Campus 21.

Immediately after the introduction 14 Participants from Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and Nigeria joined the eLearning course in spinal orthotics.

The time line of the course is about 8 months and ended in October 2009 with a face to face workshop of four weeks covering all practical tasks, the final examination in theory as well as the patient presentation.

TATCOT has applied to ISPO to accredit the eLearning course in spinal orthoticsit as a Category II level training approach. Recognition is still pending.

February 2009: TATCOT staff excursion to Amboni Caves, Tanga

One of the long-term customs of the centre is to have a staff excursion once a year. In February 2009, TATCOT Staff had the opportunity to visit Amboni Caves, Tanga.

Tanzania has a number of attractive geographic features which includes its national parks with wild animal reserves, mountains, lakes etc. The Amboni Caves are the most attractive caves in East Africa and they are located 8 km north of Tanga in Tanzania. The caves were formed about 150 million years ago and cover an area of 234 km².

It is not known exactly when the caves were discovered but reports indicate that ethnic groups such as the Segeju, Sambaa, Bondei and Digo who lived near the caves used it for traditional prayers. According to researchers the area was under water some 20 million years ago. There are altogether ten caves but only one is used for guided tours.

Mrs C Lyimo (TATCOT Staff) followed by Mrs R Simba (Lawyer), a wife of one of the staff, struggling through the caves. The caves attract tourists as well as students for their Geography/History lessons. The attraction includes: rocks in the shapes of a sofa, a ship, a crocodile, an elephant, a map of Africa, a statue, head of a male lion, female and male genital structures, and the Virgin Mary and speleothems (natural and artificial formations) including stalactites, flowstones, dripstones, rimstones, sodastraws, helictites and columns. There are also some words written from the Koran and translated as: "There is none worthy of worship except God and Muhammad is the messenger of God."

October 2008: A visit from Germany

As a follow-up of the discussions held during the World Congress in Leipzig, Germany TATCOT was honoured to have the President of the Bundesinnungsverband for Orthopaedic Technologists Germany, Mr. Frank Juettner, and a senior member of the Bundesinnungsverband, Mr. Jens Franke visit the centre.

The main objective of the visit was to share and outline activities of the Bundesinnungsverband, Bundesfachschule (BUFA) and TATCOT and thereafter address areas of common interest.

September 2008: Collaboration seminar between TATCOT and BUFA for ICRC experts

A joint collaborative seminar of experts from BUFA, and TATCOT on Ischial Containment Socket Design was carried out during which participants from ICRC where exposed to the technology.

Mr. D. Kokegei, an instructor from BUFA, demonstrated measurement, transfer, rectification, alignment and fitting procedures. This was later carried out by the participants who practiced their skills by using direct moulding of polypropylene in producing the final socket.

September 2008: Mr. HG Shangali visits Oslo University

Sophie Minde Hospital, through Mr Rune Nielsen, initiated discussions on possible collaboration between the Tanzania Training Centre for Orthopaedic Technologists (TATCOT) and the Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics, Sophie Minde Hospital, Oslo, Norway.

These discussions resulted in developing South to North and South to South Collaboration between Sophie Minde Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi; Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, Zanzibar; and TATCOT, Moshi, Tanzania. Since then one of the TATCOT staff, Ms Hortensia Mranga, has joined the team in Norway and is now serving as a short term consultant in Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi which has reciprocated by sending Mr Patric Francisco to TATCOT through the same collaborative arrangements. The aim of this collaboration is to:

• Share, upgrade and update skills and knowledge through hands-on practice
• Gather the gained experience and exposure to improve our own facilities and technological approach
• Develop such cooperation to others nationally, regionally and finally internationally

These collaborations have started bearing positive fruits as the professionals involved are motivated due to the opportunities to experience technologies practiced in different settings and sharing their experiences.

The organizational structure and set-up of facilities in industrial countries has a very clear order. This has raised questions in developing countries such as:

• How can we organize our own services if there is a lack of funding, training and professional skills?
• Why do we continue saving useless leftovers, out of date materials, old machines and equipment which are beyond repair?

These observations need some positive action in order to re-assess the set-up in developing counties and improve the facilities and services there.

May 2008: Consultation ISTM, Valance, France

A consultation task at Institut Supérieur Montaplasir (ISTM), Valance, France was carried out by Mr H G Shangali (TATCOT) and Mr C Tardif (ICRC) from 13th May 2008 to 17th May 2008. The main objective was to evaluate the training course in prosthetics and orthotics and recommend its status in terms of international categorization to the International Society of Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO).

The Institut Supérieur Technologique Montaplasir (ISTM) was established in 1950 in Valance and it has continued to expand its activities in different training and education programs. It is a private institution with a bilateral agreement with the government in its training policy. The Institute gets a grant from the Government to cover salaries and recurrent costs. The institute trains different sectors, for example paramedical, administration, management at different levels (CAP, BEP, DT, Baccalaureat and BTS). It also has a centre for professional training and development offering specific courses for those already working.

The training of technical orthopaedic professionals started in 1996 and enrols students to undertake the Brevet de Technicien Supérieur (BTS) in Prosthetics and-Orthotics

As part of the course the students undergo a clinical attachment at an identified centre of their own choosing taking into account convenience in terms of accommodation and transport costs.

May 2008: TATCOT participation at the Orthopaedie International Congress in Leipzig

TATCOT was represented at the International Congress which is organized bi-annually by Bundesinnungsverband (BIV) in Leipzig, Germany. The education and training of professionals at TATCOT was presented through poster sessions, fliers and slide presentations. The team, which comprised Mr HG Shangali, Mr LB Mtalo, Mr W Raab and Mr RN Mayalla, had an opportunity of attending presentations related to different approaches, developments and recently available materials, components and technologies in the field of rehabilitation technology.

The outcome of participation in this Congress provided some exposure to the advancement of technology and contacts with future collaborators such as Bundesinnungsverband, Fraunhofer Institut and Otto Bock.

April 2008: Upper limb prosthetics seminar for BSc course

During the last week of April 2008 TATCOT organized a seminar on upper limb prosthetics. The seminar was designed as a module for the BSc course and covered all the subjects related to upper limb prosthetics for the 3rd and 4th years of the course.

During the 10 days seminar the students took measurements, casts, performed alignment procedures, and fitted and delivered cosmetic and body powered prostheses for transradial and trans-humeral amputations.

The seminar was well received by both classes and TATCOT is planning to run this activity every second year for the same target group.

April 2008: Seminar on custom seating for the wheelchair

From 31st March to 9th April 2009 TATCOT, in collaboration with TAMARAK, organized a one week seminar on custom seating. The participants were TATCOT teaching staff, BSc 4th year students and Wheelchair Technology students. The objective was to impart knowledge and skills in design, assessment, application, fabrication and fitting and follow-up for custom orthotic seating for children and young adults with neuromuscular deficiencies.

This seminar was supported by TAMARAK which covered the costs of the experts (Marty Carlson, Mark Payette, and Sherry Rovig), equipment and some materials. During the workshop there were 8 custom seats manufactured and attached to wheelchairs for children at Farajah Children Rehabilitation Centre, Sanya Juu near Moshi. All the seats and wheelchairs were delivered to the children.