Development of Training Program for Trainer of Kinesitherapy and Rehabilitation Therapy in Burkina Faso

Cooperating countries: Burkina Faso and Austria

Coordinating institution: Management Center Innsbruck, Prof. PD Dr. habil. Belachew Gebrewold, belachew.gebrewold@mci.edu 

Partner institution: University of Ouahigouya-Burkina Faso

Project duration: 1 May 2022 - 30 April 2024

Budget: EUR 20.000

Abstract:

This project gives us an opportunity to build a partnership between the management Center Innsbruck (member of the “Verein zur Förderung der (Aus)Bildung  von Sozial und Gesundheitsberufen in Burkina-Faso”- ZVR-Zahl: 1528043569) and universities in Burkina Faso.

The objective of this project is to conduct reflections meetings to develop strategies on how to develop and implement pedagogical tools, teaching methods, courses and modules on the teaching of trainer in paramedical and rehabilitation therapies fields in Faso. This project is a follow up of a colloquium on the paramedical and rehabilitation care held in march 2019 in Burkina Faso.

The goal is to exchange and to write a framework and to make publications on the train of trainer for paramedical and rehabilitations care in Burkina Faso. The methodology consists of meetings (Online and presence) and field activities in Austria and in Burkina Faso. This would enable an intensive a constructive collaboration between an Austrian university and a Burkinabe university in an explored field such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, etc.

The results of this project are on the light of the achievement of the third and fourth SDGs regarding “good health and well-being” and “quality education”.
Thus, the meetings provide frameworks for sharing knowledge, experience and practice in the development of a paramedical and rehabilitation training programme in both universities.

Summary: 

The Project “RehaKineTrain” was initiated under the 2021 Africa-UniNet call and successfully executed. The project aimed to establish pedagogical tools, teaching methods, and courses to train educators in paramedical therapy and rehabilitation.

Key activities included literature reviews, curriculum development, and workshops involving Austrian and Burkinabè teams. Research findings highlighted a significant shortage of trained professionals in physiotherapy and rehabilitation in Burkina Faso. A strategic plan by the Ministry of Health (2016–2020) was analyzed, emphasizing the need for structured training programs. 

The project successfully developed a curriculum for medical students in years 4 to 7, providing hands-on experience in physiotherapy. This approach enables students to assist physiotherapists, improving patient care and rehabilitation services. Additionally, workshops in Austria and Ghana facilitated knowledge exchange and refined the curriculum to align with local healthcare needs.

The project directly contributes to SDG 3 “Good Health and Well-being” by enhancing healthcare workforce training and SDG 4 “Quality Education” through curriculum development. Gender inclusivity was emphasized, ensuring balanced participation. Visits to Austrian rehabilitation institutions fostered future partnerships, reinforcing international cooperation.

Overall, the project successfully laid the foundation for a structured physiotherapy education program in Burkina Faso, addressing an urgent healthcare need and setting the stage for continued academic and professional development.