From August 11 to 22, 2025, the CBC Health Services Rehabilitation Training Centre of Excellence (RTC) in Mutengene welcomed Angelique, a Rehabilitation Advisor from the Liliane Foundation. This visit was a significant step forward in enhancing rehabilitation services for children and young adults with disabilities in Cameroon.
Before 2021, rehabilitation work in Cameroon lacked formal training in Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR). Physical Therapy training was limited, and crucial professions like Occupational Therapy and Multi-Skilled Technicians were virtually nonexistent. Recognizing this gap, the Liliane Foundation partnered with CBC Health Services to improve the quality of rehabilitation services through formal training initiatives.
Angelique, a founding member of the rehabilitation training program in Cameroon, returned to provide technical support four years after the program’s inception. Her visit aimed at achieving several key objectives, including helping course heads identify common curriculum elements, establishing Practice Rooms or Skills Labs, and exploring the production of local toys and assistive devices at the Advanced Vocational Rehabilitation Center in Limbe.
During her time at RTC, Angelique coordinated sessions with course heads to promote collaboration among different rehabilitation programs. By merging common courses, the goal is to create a more interconnected educational experience that prepares students to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams. This approach is essential for providing holistic and quality rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities.
Angelique also engaged directly with students from various programs, including Occupational Therapy, Multi-Skilled Rehabilitation Technicians, and Community-Based Rehabilitation. These interactions allowed her to understand their motivations and aspirations. She encouraged the students to remain focused on their chosen paths, emphasizing the importance of their roles in delivering compassionate rehabilitation services to their communities.
Utilizing interactive methods such as storytelling, videos, and group discussions, Angelique enriched the students’ learning experiences. She provided valuable insights on setting up Skills Labs, which are crucial for hands-on training and skill acquisition.
A highlight of her visit was the trip to the Advanced Vocational Rehabilitation Center in Limbe. Angelique met with the center’s leadership to discuss the various training programs offered. She learned about the potential for producing locally made toys, which could serve as practical tools for training and rehabilitation practices.
The establishment of Skills Labs at RTC is another vital outcome of this visit. These labs will facilitate the acquisition of practical skills in various areas, including sensory activities, daily living skills, and assistive device fabrication. The Skills Labs will not only enhance the training experience for students but also equip them with the necessary tools to make a positive impact in the field.
Overall, Angelique’s visit underscores the commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities in Cameroon. By enhancing training programs and promoting collaboration among rehabilitation professionals, the Liliane Foundation and CBC Health Services are paving the way for a brighter future for those in need of rehabilitation services. This collaborative effort is essential in building a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
