Community Development and Occupational Therapy in Mozambique: reports of an ongoing experience

Abstract

Introduction: In Mozambique, in recent years, Occupational Therapy has advanced to community practices and actions, particularly in the disciplines of the Community Development module (from I to VII). Also as a challenge, the practices and internships developed by undergraduate students and the professors in charge have crossed barriers and explored new ways of doing and thinking about the profession in the country. Objective: To present the framework of the work developed, at community level, within the scope of the Occupational Therapy course of the Higher Institute of Health Sciences (ISCISA) in the period of 2023. Material and Methods: From reports of our experiences with a qualitative approach, we describe the practices and actions carried out in different scenarios. Results and Discussion: The various practice scenarios have enabled the articulation with communities and with real, distinct and otherness demands. Likewise, they have allowed students, professionals and teachers to be open to a practice that dialogues with real-life contexts and goes beyond institutionalized health practices. Conclusion: Community practices in occupational therapy have promoted new reflections and opened possible fields, expanding effective and concrete actions within the Mozambican territory, with real demands and in culturally located contexts.