Auburn’s Outreach Global office presented “Certificates of Excellence” to AU Nursing students for their active engagement during the just ended Global Connect Virtual Nursing Program with Kwame Nkrumah University Science and Technology (KNUST), and University of Cape Coast (UCC), Ghana.
Pandemic travel restrictions limited study-abroad opportunities and global education experience changed, limiting academic programs to ensure students' exposure to cultural and global diversity. The program was developed by Outreach Global office with the aim of enhancing cross-culture learning and understanding of global health issues. It brought international experiences to our students, faculty, staff and global partners virtually during the Covid-19 pandemic which prevented participants from overseas travel for global engagement.
"Outreach Global office believes that, it is critical to develop online transformational programs that meets our missions and fill the void created by the pandemic," said Dr. Elizabeth Essamuah-Quansah, director of Outreach Global.
Associate Clinical Professor Valarie Thomas thinks that the post virus outreach to Ghana will need to continue as general health care is a real issue there, “but our approach will be different.”
“This virtual activity allowed us to continue building professional relationships overseas despite restrictions caused by the pandemic,” said Chris Martin, assistant clinical professor. “While many activities have transitioned from in-person to online, the pandemic proved that many activities work better when we can collaborate in person. I believe the future of global educational programs will see increased importance as the pandemic has proved how connected we are, and how one event can impact us all.”
"Special thanks to all our nursing faculty members — Associate Clinical Professor Dr. Valarie Thomas, and Assistant Clinical Professors Dr. Tiffani Chidume, Christopher Martin, Ms. Andrea Smith, Brian Young and students who helped make this virtual program successful," Quansah added.
