UCQ Students to Lend Support to Children with Learning Challenges

Doha, July 01 (QNA) - Students of Awsaj Academy, beginning this fall, will benefit from the expertise of University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ) nurses thanks to a new partnership between the two entities that will see UCQ nursing students create and implement health and wellness projects directed to the specific needs of the Academy's students. Collaboration and exchange are integral to this partnership with UCQ students set to work closely with the 400 predominantly Qatari students of Awsaj Academy as well as their families and staff on projects intended to enhance the health and wellness of the Awsaj community. UCQ, Qatar's sole academic institution for the nursing profession is committed to supporting Qatar's National Health Strategy 2011-2016, fostering world-class healthcare that is provided by highly skilled professionals. "Meaningful engagement within the community is an important part of UCQ's mission," said UCQ Dean and CEO Dr. Kim Critchley. "Our students are eager for the opportunity to become involved with Awsaj Academy and to contribute to making a positive impact on the health of that whole community. "This is an amazing opportunity," says Behi Nikaiin, practice education coordinator and senior nursing instructor at UCQ. "UCQ is committed to serving the Qatar community. The collaboration with Awsaj Academy extends our students' ability to be involved in community development. As this unique school provides services to children with learning challenges, UCQ students will be engaged in a very real-world situation. Our students are eager to contribute positively, and to bring benefits to the health of the entire community." Dr. Tracy Hardister, Head of Teaching and Learning at Awsaj Academy, is looking forward to working with the UCQ nursing students. "They bring with them a valuable opportunity to enhance our focus on the 'whole child' as we promote healthy bodies and minds. I view this collaboration as a growth and learning experience not only for the UCQ students, but for the Awsaj community." Since UCQ established its internationally recognized Canadian nursing education in Qatar in 2007, 150 nursing professionals have graduated from its gold-standard Bachelor of Nursing (BN) programs. Over 450 students are enrolled in its BN programs. Currently, 30 students are enrolled in its three Master of Nursing (MN) streams, which include the MN Leadership, MN Oncology and MN Thesis-Based programs. The first MN batch to be educated in Qatar and specifically for Qatar will graduate in November 2015 along with 85 BN graduates. (QNA)