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Aga Khan University's (AKU) Advanced Nursing Studies (ANS) programmes
in East Africa received an impetus on May 27-28, 2002, when His
Highness the Aga Khan pledged continued support for these programmes,
during his recent visit to Uganda and Kenya.
The visit was brief, yet
highly successful, and its main focus was the tour of the ANS facilities in
both countries. After an extensive tour of the facilities, His Highness expressed
satisfaction and pride over what had been accomplished in Uganda.
The ANS
programme was initiated by Aga Khan University School of Nursing (AKU-SON),
the first academic unit of AKU, in response to invitations by nursing leaders
and the governments of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania to start similar programmes
in their countries following the success of such an initiative in Pakistan.
The first ANS programme started in Uganda after accreditation by the government
of Uganda in July 2000. With the start of this programme, AKU-SON became the
first component to take the University to an international level.
The ANS programme is designed
to provide continuing and higher education to working nurses in Uganda, Kenya
and Tanzania, through an innovative modular curriculum which enables nurses
to remain in the workforce while at the same time continue with their studies.
Classes began in January 2001 in two programmes: Enrolled Nurse to Registered
Nurse (EN-RN) Conversion and Post Registered Nurse (RN) BScN The EN-RN batch
will graduate in August 2002, while that of Post RN. BScN, in 2003. A total
of 50 students are expected to be admitted to these programmes beginning at
the new academic year starting September 2002.
During his tour of the facility
in Uganda, His Highness visited the computer lab, the library, faculty offices,
as well as the classrooms. He was greatly pleased to meet the students and took
the opportunity to speak with them about their studies and future plans. He
advised them that not only should they learn from the University, the University
too should benefit from their feedback. He advised them that they should not
lose the opportunity to evaluate their courses and their teachers' performances,
in order to ensure continuous quality improvement.
In Kenya, Dr. Grace Miller,
Regional Director of the ANS Programme, East Africa, informed His Highness of
the status of accreditation in Tanzania and Kenya, and briefed him on the site
plans, architectural drawings and the master plan for the Kenya programme. During
his visit, His Highness greeted the staff and faculty and appreciated their
efforts in developing the ANS programme.
His Highness expressed satisfaction
at the progress made in the ANS programme, which was reflected in his comments
in the visitor's book: "Thank you for this most interesting visit of a
programme which, with the energy and competence of all who participate, will,
I hope, make a significant contribution to the good health of all the peoples
of Uganda, and East Africa more generally."
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