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.

Why support this

DRC needs more locally trained healthcare workers, to rebuild the nation and serve its people.  US $220 provides training for a nurse and US $550 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 12 nurses and 16 doctors for one year.

Budget

This budget will cover medical and nursing training for 28 students, plus the costs of administering the program.

Expected Life Change

• Committed and competent medical staff will be released to attend to people’s healthcare needs, with subsequent improvement in the health of the entire community.
• Because of good participation by community leaders, the trainees have the support of the community, which will help them be effective long term.
• Students will be trained in a vocation, are almost guaranteed an income and empowered to look after their own people