Image courtesy of haufriends.org
by Darlene E. McCown
Professional Nursing education at the baccalaureate level began at Hope Africa University (HAU) in 2006 with a first class of 12 eager students (2 women and 10 men). There were no text books and limited equipment. An African nurse and a U.S. visiting professor served as the faculty.
Over the next 15 years, the baccalaureate program developed with a basic professional curriculum, additional visiting faculty, stable clinical site experiences and expanding professional recognition and East Africa accreditation. The early development of a Nursing skills laboratory with medical equipment, anatomical models, microscopes, ophthalmoscopes, audio visual materials, etc. revolutionized the education for nurses at Hope Africa University.
In 2011, under the direction of Dr. Darlene McCown, a 2-year Masters of Nursing degree program was started with 8 students (2 women and 6 men). Six of the students were graduates of HAU and 2 were from other institutions. A thesis written in English was required. All the students successfully completed their program. They all serve in Africa in positions of leadership in Nursing.
To date, HAU has produced more than 650 graduates in Nursing. Currently, 196 undergraduate and 47 graduate students are enrolled.
The Nursing program is directed by Eric Manirakiza who is a graduate of the first undergraduate class of Nursing from HAU and a graduate from the first Masters-level class; in 2020, he completed a second masters in Nursing from Roberts Wesleyan College, and is now applying for the doctorate in Nursing Leadership at Spring Arbor University, The Nursing faculty at HAU consists of Eric who also serves as director, three fulltime nurses, and some part-time faculty for general courses. Visiting faculty assist with teaching as needed.
God has provided for this educational ministry over the years since 2006 and has changed the health of the small nation of Burundi through the work of the Free Methodist church and dedicated faculty at HAU. For more information on Hope Africa go to the Dec 2021 newsletter and read: Hope Africa Graduates.