The second Global Learning Partnership programme took place in March this year in partnership again with the Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (KUSMS), Nepal.
The programme provides the opportunity for students and academics from the U21 Health Sciences Group to develop a cooperative relationship with students and academics from another partnering university. The GLP is a unique global placement experience that embraces an equal international partnership between academic institutions in order to build capacity, share resources and generate mutually beneficial educational experiences.
This year 21 students and 6 facilitators traveled to the community of Dhungkharka, a rural community in the Kavre district, Nepal. This team represented:
8 different U21 HSG universities (University of Glasgow, University of Nottingham, University of Birmingham, University of Auckland, University of Melbourne, University of Connecticut, Fudan, Lund)
6 different health professions (Medicine, Dentistry/Oral Health, Nutrition, Nursing, Physiotherapy and Public Health) and,
Included 9 local students and 3 staff from KUSMS.
Between 3 student groups community health data was collected in the areas of women's health, oral health and chronic disease and disability. With consideration of the SDG's each group planned and implemented a health promotion project. Projects included education programs delivered to key community groups and health workers, oral hygiene training videos and numerous resources including pamphlets, posters and a model pelvis!
Student feedback has demonstrated increased awareness of SDG’s, cultural competency and confidence in leadership and inter-professional teamwork. Overall, the GLP has been another exciting and successful initiative from the U21 SDG working party and we grateful for all the support from U21 HSG.