Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, Ndejje University Vice-Chancellor underscored internationalization as one of key pillars in the university’s strategic plan towards building quality academic, professional programs and producing graduates of integrity while receiving eleven intern students of Public Health and speech pathology from Southern Illinois University, USA and Ndejje University students from the Faculty of Social Science due for fieldwork and internship holiday programme. A contingent of 11 student interns and two dons from Southern Illinois University, Edwards Vile (SIUE) arrived in the country following the exchange programme established with Ndejje University. The USA students include three who undertake speech pathology/audiology and eight in public health. They were accompanied by Public Health and Speech Pathologist, Assistant Prof. Kathryn Brady and Dr Michelle Cathoral.
“You are not in Ndejje University by accident but fulfilling one of the university’s strategic plan of internationalizing our institution. You are what you have done and what you will be; is what you do now. Therefore your future is now and is dictated by the cardinal law and life,” the Vice-Chancellor told the student interns from both universities. He cautioned all the students going for field work and internship to be observant and learn from one another because it will eventually be their final destination. A contingent of 11 student interns and two dons from Southern Illinois University, Edwards Vile (SIUE) arrived in the country this week following the exchange programme established early this year with Ndejje University. The USA students include three students who undertake speech pathology/audiology and eight in public health.
The partnership between the two universities consequently kicked off this week with the introduction of field practice learning in the area of language pathology and audiology as well as public health. The Vice-Chancellor, however, advised the Ugandan and American student interns to develop the art of listening and observing to be able to learn from the people in their area of placements. The collaboration is expected to benefit Uganda communities in areas of public health and also add value to graduates who face challenges in working with speech impaired people especially in rural areas. The University and the US-based SIUE will collaborate, reach out and work with rural communities in the field of practice learning in Uganda, according to the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding.
