TOM, Tikkun Olam Makers, brings closure to the 2017 event on November 29, with a closing ceremony showcasing the final products constructed during this year to the public.

The event that brought together biomedical engineering, graphic design and programming, planned and executed a prototype helping 12 disabled individuals overcome an specific disability.

“All of the projects that I saw were very specific and clear. It really makes a differences, not only in me but in all of society,” Luis Miguel Tuber, TOM Participant and Need Knower, said.

The Makeathon consisted of three consecutive days of work, where both students and professionals worked together to build and create the prototypes. It was hosted in The Columbus School that provided the space as well as a workplace that allowed the event to succeed.

“Everything worked nicely and we were actually able to change lives and to make a difference in this world.TOM was truly an amazing experience,”Julian Jaramillo, TOM Participant and TCS student, said.

Two months after the main event, PosTom was presented in Ruta N to the general public allowing the people to know everything that was accomplished during the last couple of months. It was an opportunity to present a change to society and promote life changing projects.

“After the work done during the Makeathon, the teams continuously worked on the prototypes to adjust them to the person´s needs. They have worked nonstop to make the best of the prototype provided,”Angela Giraldo, Subdirector of Projects at Comite de Rehabilitacion, said.

As the main goal was accomplished and the results were better than expected, sponsors and members of the organization of TOM considered new possibilities to enable a consistent and continuous change in society.

“It is very likely that a TOM will be done next year. With the results we achieved this year, we will be expecting great things for next year now that we have more experience on the topic,” Giraldo said.

With the event consisting on helping society and designated individuals, the event achieved a life changing impact on the people’s lives bringing positive reactions. Everyone that participated were pleased with the outcome.

“I believe we completely went above the expectations and made a difference not only in the Need Knowers but also the lives of everyone that participated in the event,” Karol Marin, TCS Teacher and Logistics Volunteer, said.

Every single challenge was accomplished and the goal of fulfilling twelve life changing projects was completed. What seemed impossible, was accomplished in a couple of months and will continue to happen for years to come.

“It’s good and ideal for society to know what happened in TOM. It changed me and made a difference. It is truly important to expose the project to society and to do it again when possible,” Tuber said.