Keeping busy in Kijabe

On Tuesday Cadee and Caleb spent the day testing their knee on patients at the prosthetic clinic. They worked with three individuals to obtain feedback on their knee design using a series of tests and questions. They used the data obtained to compare the function and appearance of the teams prosthetic knee with the patient’s current prosthetic knee. With the feedback from the patients, they were able to discuss what improvements they could make on the knee. Overall, it was a successful day and the team was happy to be helping patients and seeing their design work. The other team, Hayward and Ester spent part of their day observing the knee team conduct their tests and helping wherever it was needed e.g holding the gait to support the patient and using the timer.

Hayward and Ester also spent the afternoon observing the process of making Steenbeek braces for clubfoot patients and limb length discrepancy shoes.

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On Wednesday, the prosthetic knee team spent the day in the workshop shadowing the technicians. They observed the process of making ankle foot braces and sockets. They had the opportunity to be hands on and help in making the braces. A part of their shadowing experience included interacting with patients during fittings for the braces. In addition to learning about the prostheses, the team was grateful to build relationships and learn more about the technicians who work in the workshop.

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Whilst the knee team worked in the workshop, Hayward and Ester spent the day in the ward interacting with the patients and their guardians. They spent the time coloring and talking to the children. A highlight for the team, was seeing the children smile and conversing with their guardians who shared their hopes for their children’s recovery.

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To end these two busy days, we took an afternoon to explore the area and a few local shops in the town. The rocky terrain and steep slope left some of us huffing and puffing, however it was all worth while to experience an afternoon in Kijabe.

Co-writers : Cadee Wood, Ester Moyo