Projects of the Getu Foundation

Lusaka Health Institute

The Lusaka Health Institute (LHI) is a not-for-profit private school training registered nurses in Zambia. This is the first project supported by the Getu foundation. The school was first founded in 2005 and offers an affordable 3-year training.

Strengthening individual lives and the health care system
LHI offers high quality training to young men and women who wish to become nurses and are prepared to invest in their education. The aim is to provide a high-standard education, to train a sufficient number of people to reduce the impact of the brain drain, and the impact of diseases such as HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria.

Educating nurses serves various purposes: It enforces the Zambian health care system, and provides opportunities for young Zambian people to live an independent life, with an income based on their acquired skills. At the same time, their education enhances the level of medical knowledge and expertise in the country and contributes to the economic strength of the people in Zambia.

Student fees and donations
With a total number of 200 students the school fees will cover the costs of the school. Until then outside funding, to pay for start-up costs, investments in infrastructure and teaching materials will be needed. The LHI is a not-for-profit institution, financed through student fees, and donations of individuals, (development) organisations and companies.

The Vice Minister of Health has praised this private initiative as an important contribution to the Zambian health care system. In July 2007 a fifth class of students started their training; mid 2008 the first class will complete their education and start working - reinforcing the Zambian health care system.

Beginnings
LHI originated when nursing student Getenesh (nickname Getu) started training at a private nursing school in Lusaka. She was extremely motivated and studied hard. Unfortunately the school turned out not to be registered by the government and went bankrupt after three months. The school fees of a whole year were gone, and fourteen students were left without training.

Getu’s sponsor and one of the teachers of that first school, decided to set up a new, better-organised school. In July 2005 this school was recognised by the General Nursing Council of Zambia. The first registered private school for nurses was a fact. Since February 1, 2007 the school can be found at a new, larger location, and under a new name: the Lusaka Health Institute. We aim, in the future, to provide not only nursing but also midwifery and other courses at this school.

Innovative approach
Educational innovation: We stimulate problem based learning and active participation of students and tutors. We regularly receive support from qualified international volunteers. Recently, Dutch ICT-students and their tutors have installed a computer network providing access to digital teaching materials and medical training information on the Internet. This 'electronic learning environment' is a first of its kind in the Zambian health sector.
Retention of medical staff: To reduce the impact of the so-called brain drain, we are, in consultation with the Zambian government, preparing contracts, in which sponsored students commit to stay working in Zambia for three years.
Student grants: Since many candidates are willing and qualified for training, but cannot pay for the essential cost of their education, LHI offers grants from a study fund, ranging from 25 to 100% of the annual tuition fees. Sponsors can contribute either person-to-person or directly to the anonymous study fund, supplemented by individuals and international organizations that want to invest in education that provides tangible results.
International support: LHI receives both financial and educational support from Europe and the US. The most desirable formula would be to twin with one or more schools abroad. These could provide advice, exchange of teachers and students and support with curriculum development.
Open Structure – Learning is sharing: Competition is welcome; the shortage of nursing staff in Zambia is estimated at 8,000. The school aims to help solve this human resource crisis in Zambia, in order to improve health care services nation wide. In practice this means that we do not have the intention to protect our ‘product’ as such. It is in Zambia’s interest that our example is followed and copied elsewhere.