This summer, a small team of University of Canterbury Mechanical Engineering students will set out for Tonga to repair and maintain life-saving hospital equipment.
Together with Tongan technicians, students will get real-world experience, troubleshooting ventilators, monitors and sterilisation gear so healthcare providers can focus on patient care.
For these students, getting there takes more than just goodwill. They give up summer income, commit to hundreds of hours of volunteering and still need funds to cover travel and technical supplies. This year, the Page Fund stepped in to cover the $10,000 shortfall. This fund is designed to cover vital priorities at the university, not covered by any other sources. Thanks to the Page Fund, the team could say yes to their collaboration with Tongan hospitals.
