International Development Award

In 2016 the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) revised its Minimum Standards for the Education of Occupational Therapists. The 2016 revision highlighted a shift in educational requirements for occupational therapists from diploma level to a degree level Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy. As a result of these changes, in some countries, occupational therapists with a diploma may be:

1. Reclassified into a different job category, for example, occupational therapy assistant, technician or support worker
2. Unable to work in certain sectors or take on certain duties or responsibilities

In response to these changes, the Elizabeth Casson Trust established the International Development Award. The aim was to provide funding that enabled individuals to complete this BSc top-up qualification. Individuals with the BSc could then go on and practice and continue their study at Master’s level, furthering their profession. The Trust hopes this award will continue to develop a skilled and qualified workforce, offering the profession the capacity and leadership to grow and become self-sustaining in the future.

See below some of our funded students who graduated with a BSc in Occupational Therapy.

1. Emmanuel Kalanda, Winnie Wamaitha and Sofia Nabassa
2. Getrude Temba
3. Hassan Kato, Timothy Kalule & Andrew Mubangizi

Our work so far

Since 2021, the Trust has funded 27 individuals to complete their top-up programmes. These recipients have gone on to work and further the profession in their home countries of Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi and Kenya. We would like to offer them sincere congratulations for their commitment to the profession and their own personal development. We would also like to thank their employers who supported their colleagues by providing study leave.

In June 2024, the Trust held a roundtable event with support from the World Federation of Occupational Therapists to consider how the Trust might scale its current offer to have greater global reach and impact. As you can imagine, this is a bold ambition, and complexities lie ahead to further this objective within a changing global context.

We would like to share two case studies with you, which were kindly written for us by two award recipients: Timothy Kalule and Godfrey Kimathy.

With determination and focussed efforts to further their own and the profession’s development within these countries leave us feeling inspired and assured that this award is helping to achieve what we set out to do.

Our 2025 Award

We are delighted to share that applications for our award will open on 1 April 2025. The award will be available to occupational therapists registered and working in affected East African countries who:

1. Hold a diploma in occupational therapy from a WFOT-approved education programme
2. Hold an employment contract as a tutor/academic instructor/lecturer or are a practice/fieldwork educator
3. Can demonstrate that they are committed to CPD and the development of the profession
4. Are committed to bringing these new skills and knowledge to the applicant’s home country.

To apply, applicants are asked to answer a series of six (6) questions and also provide:

1. a transcript of your occupational therapy qualification
2. a letter of support from your line manager confirming they will offer approved study leave and support you in changing your practice on you return, to implement the knowledge and skills you acquired through the BSc
3. a reference letter evidencing your commitment to CPD (for example from your professional organisation or employer)
4. a CV/ resumé

If you meet these requirements and are considering applying, you may want to begin to prepare these documents now.

Our application window closes on 16 May 2025. Applicants who have been successful and have gained an interview will be informed by 13 June 2025.

Interviews will take place on 2 July 2025.  Successful candidates will be informed within a week of the interview.