Regional PO Educators Meet on International Day for People with Disabilities
Leaders from Prosthetic and Orthotic (PO) Schools in Southeast and South Asia are meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia from 2-4 December, a period which includes the International Day for People with Disabilities on 3rd December.
PO schools provide an essential service for people with physical disabilities by training PO clinicians and technicians to assess patients and make, fit, repair and replace prosthetic and orthotic devices like artificial limbs, leg braces and spinal braces.
PO services treat men, women and children with a wide range of conditions, including amputation, scoliosis, cerebral palsy, polio, diabetes and many other conditions.
PO patients often require lifelong support which can only be provided by trained professionals and PO Schools have an essential in supporting people with disabilities, by restoring mobility and enabling patients to have an independent life and contribute to society as employees, taxpayers and active community members.
The PO Educators meeting in Phnom Penh is being attended by schools from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Thailand and their aim is to work together more closely, to grow the PO profession and support many more people with disabilities.
Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine Free World Begins
Cambodia's Prime Minister Calls with Exceed
On his way to open the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World, Dr Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia took a moment to call at Exceed's stand, to talk with staff and view the range of prosthetic and orthotic devices on display.
Later, at the official opening ceremony, Dr Manet called on all countries to work together for a mine-free world, saying that landmines have caused a catastrophe for all of humanity, so we must all work together to eradicate them.
March for a Mine Free World
On the eve of the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World, marchers from many organisations gathered to reinforce the aims of this important event.
Representatives from Exceed Worldwide, including community worker Lim Eng, who is a landmine survivor, joined the 5 kilometre walk from Angkor Wat to the Elephant Gate in the spectacular setting of the Angkor temple complex.
Other marchers included de-miners, members of the Cambodian peace keeping corps and youth groups.
Delegates Gather for Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention
Delegates to the Siem Reap-Angkor summit gathered in the Angkor temple complex on the night before the Convention.
Sisary Kheng, Cambodia Country Director and Carson Harte, CEO, were among the representatives from Exceed Worldwide.