Each year, the African Palliative Care Association (APCA), in collaboration with Global Partners in Care (GPIC) in the United States, awards a limited number of competitive scholarships to health care workers, particularly nurses, social workers, physiotherapists, music therapists, and clinical officers. The APCA and GPIC recognize the critical role that health care and social workers play in delivering comprehensive palliative care services. Despite this, inadequate incorporation of palliative care into pre-service (undergraduate) training for health care and social workers, a lack of clear career pathways for those interested in specializing in palliative care, and a lack of recognition of palliative care qualifications by local ministries of health and education remain challenges.
The Palliative Care Education Scholarship Fund intends to provide opportunities for professional training for health care and social workers working in palliative care provision or those motivated to lead the development of such services in their settings. Palliative care is an emerging field of practice in Africa, and many health care providers and social workers are unable to cope with the complex challenges it includes. Training opportunities are meant to improve the skills, information, attitudes, values, methodologies, and sensibilities required to work effectively with patients, families, health care professionals, and the community in palliative care.
Host institution(s):
Any recognised institution of higher learning offering palliative care training in Africa. Examples include: Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care in Africa/Hospice Africa Uganda, Mildmay Uganda, Nairobi Hospice, Malawi University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya Medical Training, Center for Palliative Care in Nigeria, Ghana College of Nursing and Midwives, and University of Cape Town.
Target group:
Nurses, social workers, clinical officers, physiotherapists, and music therapists with a desire to undertake specialised training in palliative care. Other members of the palliative care multidisciplinary team may be considered.
Benefits:
Scholarship amount and duration may vary according to the course of study but shall not exceed $2,000 USD.
Eligibility:
- Qualified nurse, social worker, clinical officer, physiotherapist, and music therapist with a degree or diploma residing and working in Africa.
- Has obtained admission to a palliative care course in an institution in Africa recognised by APCA. You must already have secured acceptance/admission to a palliative care program of study at a recognised training institution to be considered for a scholarship.
- Currently licensed and registered with a professional body of the country of the applicant as a health care worker or social worker, where applicable.
- Able to obtain full support from your place of work to undertake the course.
- Able to serve your institution of work for at least one year after completion of the training.
- Able to legibly complete the application in English or French.
- Willing to provide updates during your studies, thank you letter, video testimonial, or Zoom interview with GPIC and APCA in support of future fundraising for the scholarship fund.
- Please note that preference is given to applicants who are in their final year of study.
Application:
Eligible applicants should download and complete the relevant scholarship application form available online and submit to the relevant email: scholarships@africanpalliativecare.org. Filled in hard copy applications forms can also be sent through courier addressed to or dropped at the African Palliative Care Association, P.O. Box 72518, Plot 95, Dr Gibbons Road, Kampala, Uganda.
