Africa

Rwanda

• Rebuilding Health in Rwanda
• Renforcement de la gouvernance au Rwanda

Rebuilding Health in Rwanda

Project purpose: The purpose of the project is to collaboratively rebuild the training programs for health professionals and expand the cadre of health professionals with an emphasis on skills in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, particularly HIV/AIDS, and mental health.

Key results to date: A contemporary, integrated case-based curriculum for the BSc Nursing program is being developed, incorporating content on HIV/AIDS and mental health. All case studies for the first three years and outlines of two fourth-year courses have been finalized. Faculty members have modified the pedagogy to include new teaching methods and skills, such as critical thinking and case studies. A one-week training workshop on gender and health was provided for twelve nursing staff from the Kigali Health Institute (KHI) and 20 health professionals from associated health science programs, focusing on the role of health care in relation to HIV/AIDS. The mental health department has implemented an outreach program to provide services to people affected by the genocide. Nursing students now have access to a fully-equipped computer lab and the most current health information via online resources. Project team members have been invited to become involved in rebuilding the medical program at the University of Rwanda and to assist in the coordination of health care professional education in Rwanda.

Renforcement de la gouvernance au Rwanda

Project purpose: The objective of this project is to improve the capacity of the Rwanda Institute of Administration and Management in teaching, continuing education and counselling based on its clients' needs.

Key results to date: A total of 27 candidates including nine women from the public service, the Rwanda Institute of Administration and Management (RIAM), civil society and the private sector, have obtained master's degrees in public administration. Four tutors were trained to assist in distance education courses, and 14 trainers were educated in teaching techniques, and the development and use of case studies in management and educational engineering. Customized training focused on decentralization has been developed for local jurisdictions and offered to representatives of 27 of Rwanda's 29 districts. A number of activities specifically for women have been carried out, including seminars on career development and management skills. Furthermore, an initiative entitled "Dissemination of knowledge in career development for women" has been launched with funding from the Canadian Fund for Gender and Development. More than 100 women have already benefited from this training program.