THE OLIVE BRANCH FOR CHILDREN
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Rebecca is an RCSI Physiotherapy graduate who spent two months in 2026 volunteering with The Olive Branch for Children (TOBFC). She worked in the physiotherapy program that is part of our new Phons and Mary O'Mara Polyclinic, alongside Clinical Medical Officer Sylvester.
Rebecca thoroughly enjoyed travelling to the villages, meeting patients and providing physiotherapy support
REBECCA GREALY
iRELAND
for people experiencing a range of conditions, including lower back pain, ankle and knee injuries, muscle weakness, paralysis, mobility difficulties and contractures.
Rebecca treated a patient who initially presented with pain in their lower limbs and difficulty walking. During her assessment, Rebecca also identified balance difficulties and mild weakness in both legs. Together, they developed an exercise programme focused on improving strength and balance through weighted squats, side leg marches and tandem stance exercises. After five weeks of regular exercise, the patient reported less pain and improvements in their mobility and overall function.
It was incredibly rewarding for Rebecca to see the difference that targeted physiotherapy and consistent exercise could make to the patient’s confidence and daily life.
We are grateful for volunteers like Rebecca who so graciously share their knowledge and expertise with our Tanzanian healthcare team and clients.
VINCENT BALKE
GERMANY
Vincent is an engineering student at the University of Cologne in Germany who volunteered with TOBFC in 2026. During his time with us, Vincent worked closely with Mary Mpalika, our Educational Outreach Manager, to assess the success of our KICKIT Mobile Libraries program.
Together, they conducted literacy assessments with students attending schools within the program. Rahim Athuman, an Olive Branch graduate with a degree in Math and Statistics, also contributed to this project by sharing his statistical expertise.
We will compare these results with data collected from schools outside the program and follow the participating students through secondary school, helping us better understand the long-term impact of access to books and literacy support.
We were extremely proud of the way Vincent collaborated with Mary, Rahim and our team, bringing enthusiasm, respect and commitment to the study. Vincent also embraced his time in Mbeya by participating in the Mbeya Half Marathon with Rahim.
We are grateful for Vincent’s contribution and the energy he brought to both his work and our community.