We can do it together or volunteering in Paraguay

or simply visit the website of our new company: http://www.po.com.py/ with projects like this: http://www.pu.com.py/

In short, we are looking for affirmation to do something social, good and exciting with medical technology!

And that's how we came across Po Paraguay. Po is a non-profit organization that designs and manufactures cost-effective prostheses using the highly innovative technology of 3D printing, a lot of good will and boundless creativity. These prostheses are then provided to people who could not otherwise afford prostheses, to make their lives easier and give them back their independence in many areas. The positive effect on the psyche plays a role at least as important. That's why Po focuses on individual design and designs the prostheses according to the wishes of the users. For example, there are 'Po's' with Minions, in Ironman format, studded with pearls or with 'accessories' according to the user's wishes, for example with an attachment for a hair dryer for a hairdresser.

The finished 3D-printed hand of the prosthesis

For Po, it all started with hand prostheses for people who are amputated below the elbow. Hence the name PO, which means 'hand' (and also 5) in Guarani. However, work is now also being done on prostheses for the whole arm, prostheses with wrist rotation, and prostheses for legs. The small euqiPO (Spanish for team) consists exclusively of young people who share their premises with other startups in a hip coworking space. And now we are honored to be part of this team!

Everyone here is incredibly nice, what sets us back a bit are group discussions in Spanish and the still missing workspace. Luckily, there is a bar in the common area where it feels like being at the fair (12-14 noon, depending on..).

Speaking of lunchtime: sometimes, copious amounts of hamburgers are grilled on the rooftop terrace and enjoyed with Pilsener (Original Paraguay beer :D) until everyone has sunburn.

The working hours are super flexible, so it happens that we rush to the office at half past 9, fearing to be late, but in the end only the cleaning lady is there (who, by the way, is there all day, sweeping this and that, and sometimes also has her child with her).

We were integrated and involved from the beginning and were shown directly how to print hands and assemble them afterwards. All of this happens in our own workshop, where each prosthesis is lovingly crafted by hand.

and inside, in action :)

However, there is still much to improve and a lot of potential for us to contribute to. Now we first get to know everything and are looking forward to defining our project exactly and growing into the team. By the way, we have not yet met Eric, the boss, our only contact person until our arrival, so that's still exciting too! :)

'Everything seems impossible until it's done!' - Nelson Mandela

Under this motto, every small project is really started here. Nothing is considered impossible and every crazy idea can be pursued. We are super excited and will keep you up to date on our work and upcoming projects here (:

Hasta luego!