OVERVIEW
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been an unsafe place to live for many years, and even today is subject to sporadic outbreaks of violence. Life expectancy is low, and trained health professionals are rare, particularly outside the capital city. Training general practitioner and nursing staff in one of the worst affected areas will bring about long-term benefits to this African nation. The project co-funds medical practitioner and nursing students in their second year onwards (once students have proven their commitment and reliability). Funding covers 90% of the cost of a year’s tuition, leaving students to co-fund their education. This co-funding further ensures commitment and dedication.
WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT IT
DRC needs more locally trained healthcare workers, to rebuild the nation and serve its people. $200 provides training for a nurse and $500 will train a doctor for a year. It takes four years to train a Nurse and seven years to train a Doctor. The modest budget for this project will provide training for 6 Nurses and 8 Doctors for one year.
THE NEED
This is a nation fraught with political instability, riots and senseless violence for years. The government is disorganised and does not pay the salaries of many public servants -including doctors, nurses & teachers, thus many professionals have left the country. Every medical & nursing student receiving this support must first pledge to work in Congo for several years after they graduate.
LIFE CHANGE
