Final-year BPT and MPT students from Gulf Medical University’s College of Health Sciences collaborated with Delhi Private School, Ajman, to conduct a community engagement activity supporting kindergarten teachers on June 30, 2025.
Participating in the event were our final-year BPT students: Mr. Hamza Al Hayat (2021PT24), Ms. Rabab Rahib (2021PT07), Monica Mariya Morly (2021PT20), Mr. Christian Gabriel Sikat Rigor (2021PT17), Ms. Shatha Ali Sultan Baharoon Al Ali (2021PT25), Ms. Aminatu Musa Danladi (2021PT32), and Mr. Fadil Ahmed Iftikhar (2021PT50), along with Mr. Osman Zubair Khan (2024MPT04).
The activity aimed to acknowledge physical challenges faced by teachers and equip them with practical physiotherapy tips and ergonomic solutions that could easily be incorporated into their daily routines. Over 30 kindergarten teachers attended, receiving comprehensive presentations on common MSK conditions such as neck pain, shoulder stiffness, and low back pain issues with easy stretches and tailored exercises.
Students Feedback:
“This activity helped us understand the true essence of community care, deepened our empathy, and strengthened our communication and clinical education skills in a real-world setting.” – Mr. Hamza Al Hayat (2021PT24), Final Year BPT Student.
“As a physical therapy master’s student, this event was especially beneficial to me because it gave me the chance to put my academic knowledge to use in a practical situation. I became more assured of my capacity to explain clinical ideas in an understandable and straightforward way. It also made me realize how important it is for us to promote community health, not only for the treatment of illnesses but also for their prevention.” – Osman Zubair Khan (2024MPT04), First Year MPT Student.
What resonated most were the honest moments when many teachers admitted they had been ignoring their own discomfort for years, accepting aches and pains as just ‘part of the job.’ The event received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with teachers intending to make small changes for their health and well-being.
“The Department of Physiotherapy’s community engagement initiative is an excellent example showcasing the value of physiotherapy in promoting health and wellness beyond clinical settings. This endeavour demonstrates the value of our institution and highlights commitment to community engagement and student development.” – Dr. Praveen Kumar, Dean, College of Health Sciences.