Bringing the Marianist mission to Malawi

Doctoral physiotherapy student Jacob Hammye ’27 has developed a special appreciation for the act of service — something he says stems from the opportunities provided by his program. 

Last spring semester Hammye traveled to work at a physiotherapy camp held at Karonga and Chitipa District Hospitals in Malawi. 

“I immediately felt a strong desire to attend,” Hammye said. “My biggest motivator to go on this trip was the opportunity to provide service on a global scale with the phenomenal team we had.”

Hammye worked alongside physiotherapists Joseph Matthews Day, associate professor of physical therapy, and Trisha Renner, associate clinical professor of physical therapy. The team started each morning with 6 a.m. Mass at St. Mary’s Church, followed by travel to the Karonga District Hospital where Hammye cared for patients with a variety of conditions, including cerebral palsy, lower back pain, sacroiliac joint dysfunction and the effects of stroke.  

“We typically saw patients for eight hours per day, consisting of, on average, 45-minute to one-hour individualized treatment sessions,” said Hammye. “Throughout these sessions, we would treat patients as well as educate the physical therapist and rehabilitation tech on treatment ideas.”

He was also invited to lead a presentation for local hospitals about cerebral palsy. He shared information on the condition’s pathophysiology,  an overview of early screening tools and strategies for intervention and caregiver education. For Hammye, moments like this were about more than teaching — they were also opportunities to grow through service

“This experience helped me immensely as I prepare for my future,” Hammye said.

“I feel that I have grown through the mentorship provided by Trisha Renner and Joseph Day. Working with them …  allowed me to really reflect on my ‘why’ with choosing physical therapy as my profession.”

Hammye said he returned home not only a better student, but a better person.

“My biggest takeaway from this experience was the humility and appreciation I’ve grown since returning from this trip,” Hammye said. “Malawi is considered to be the ‘Warm Heart of Africa.’ Throughout this trip, our team was met with nothing but welcoming hospitality, smiles and appreciation for our assistance. I was able to witness the sense of community that patients and their families develop, which is something I’ve rarely seen in the United States. It was nice to see how people connected in difficult times in Malawi.”

Hammye said seeing that strength in community and compassion was one of the things he values most about the trip, and that learning doesn’t only take place in the classroom. For him, the experience reinforced a simple truth: keeping faith alive and serving others is where you can truly make a difference.

Photography courtesy Karonga Diocese