The European Commission under Global Mobility Programme KA171, has opened doors for International opportunities to MMUST students as the Commission has again picked 3 students from the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedical Sciences (SONMAPS) to Oulu University of Applied Sciences in Finland for 3 months. The three students include Benjamin Kilundo, Joy Valary Ouma, and James Mwilaria. The European Commission's Global Mobility program, KA171, is part of the Erasmus+ initiative facilitating exchanges between higher education institutions and organizations outside Europe. It aims to enhance global mobility for students and staff, enrich their experiences, and foster international collaboration.
Similarly, MMUST has received 4 students from Oulu University (Milla Simila, Ruut Niemi, and Silvia Laurila who are undertaking their studies at MMUST for 3 months. On 28th August, 2024, the team paid a courtesy call to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo who expressed delight in the project saying it will certainly enrich educational experiences, and contribute to the global academic and cultural development of students. The four-year project is coordinated by Dr. Sum Psusma Tecla (MMUST) and Dr. Markus Karttunen (Oulu).
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo addressing the visiting students.
Courtesy of the program, Dr. Damaris Ochanda is set to travel to Oulu University in mid-September for a staff exchange program. The Erasmus Plus program covers mobility in the areas of innovation and capacity building, Trauma and Emergency, Research, Nursing, and Paramedic Education. It encourages the sharing of good clinical practices from Africa and Europe as well as supporting the youth to participate in exchange programs and cultural awareness.
Commenting on the program, Dr. Sum stated that the ultimate goal of the project is to enhance education exports, reinforce educational and multicultural knowledge, and cultivate an excellent competitive edge for future opportunities for our staff and students. She further stated that Milka Albert from Kennesaw State University, Atlanta Georgia, USA is also joining MMUST on a long-term study period.
“Kenya's focus in the national development process is anchored in quality education and health care improvement.” We are excited that MMUST has embraced collaborations that lead to joint research projects, shared academic resources, and innovative educational practices, benefiting both institutions involved,” said Dr. Sum.
The mobility project is relevant to the internationalization strategy of the higher education institutions involved in and outside Africa. Corporation also seeks to increase the quality of teaching, networking, competence development, promote cultural awareness, and develop a more positive attitude towards internationalization. Undoubtedly, this is an enriching program that fosters international collaboration and prepares students and staff for a globally interconnected world.
By Linet Owuor
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
