A 3-Year Training Program
for Better Technical Support

The Engineering Technology (E-Tech) Training Program is specifically designed in partnership with the Physician Assistant (PA) Program.

The goal is to provide technical support to clinics in harsh jungle environments – to build structures, to create electricity far from the grid and to repair equipment when it fails.

Drawing of clinic with medical equipment

Without an Engineering Technology technician on site, a Physician Assistant can not provide high-quality healthcare. 

The Physician Assistants need a dry, clean place to store medicine and equipment. They need electricity to take care of patients at night and run medical equipment like oxygen machine, microscope and vaccine fridge, and charge their phones and computer to communicate with other doctors.

Read this story to understand how electricity can save lives in a remote clinic setting.

THE ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY TRAINING JOURNEY

Learn more about the training bringing safety and technology to rural healthcare

Typical housing in remote Karen areas of Myanmar.

Typical housing in remote Karen areas of Myanmar

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Student Selection

Students are selected from remote Karen areas, in partnership with KDHW. Experience shows that students chosen from remote areas are likely to return to work and live in their home areas.

Location: Karen State, Myanmar

Two engineering technology students with their instructor

Two Engineering Technology students with their instructor

YEAR 1

Engineering Theory and Fabrication Basics

English, basic maths, critical thinking, science, computers, electricity & power course.

Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Two Engineering Technology students building a brick machine

Two Engineering Technology students building a brick machine

YEAR 2

Construction Practices and Special Projects

English, project management, land surveying & site layout, engine rebuild, construction techniques.

Location: T-RAD Clinic in Ler Doh (Kyaukkyi), Myanmar

Engineering Technology students learning how to do wiring

Engineering Technology students learning how to do wiring

YEAR 3

Clinic Rotation Internship

Focus on hands-on work at both EMA clinics.

Location: T-RAD Clinic in Ler Doh (Kyaukkyi) and Rain Tree Clinic in Karen State, Myanmar

An Engineering Technology graduate (center) building a classroom with a group of engineering volunteers from Ireland

An Engineering Technology graduate (center) building a classroom with engineering volunteers from Ireland

OUT IN THE FIELD

Engineering Technology Graduates

The Engineering Technology graduates have to serve a minimum of five years in KDHW remote clinics as engineering technicians.

Location: Karen State, Myanmar

YOUR IMPACT

YOU impacted the E-Tech graduates and their community

E-Tech graduate smiling at the camera

EMA ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN

Saw Bwe Nay Htoo

Saw Bwe Nay Htoo graduated in 2017 and now helps manage the construction at the Salay Hospital, a 17-acre campus in Ler Doh (Kyaukkyi), Myanmar. He has a wide variety of tasks including project management, and supervision of local workers in welding, concrete work and roofing.

“It is my pride to be an engineering technician and help my community in different ways, from repairing machines to providing electricity. I see the importance of engineering as I see the needs of my people, from healthcare to construction, the Karen community needs more engineers to empower them.”

E-Tech graduate smiling at the camera

EMA ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN

Saw Eh Gay

Saw Eh Gay graduated in 2017 and has been instrumental in the Rain Tree Clinic campus’s construction and general maintenance, which includes building construction, electrical system and repairing the generators.

“My training has impacted my Karen community quite a lot. I helped build the outpatient and inpatient departments as well as accommodation for students and staff at the Rain Tree Clinic. With my new skills, I installed electricity in the clinic and provided repair and maintenance work including generators, motorcycles, and other machines.”

GET INVOLVED

Support the Karen in their mission for better health!

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Support the E-Tech students and see the ripple effect happen over a whole community

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Work hand-in-hand with the E-Tech students and find out how much YOU can learn together

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Connect with the Karen on social media and spread the word to your loved ones