Strengthening Nursing Education in Gaza: A Vision for Recovery by PalMed Nursing
The nursing education system in Gaza is critical in supplying the healthcare workforce needed to respond effectively to public health emergencies, particularly in times of conflict. With the ongoing war in Gaza in the second year, the infrastructure has been severely damaged, leaving the nursing education system and healthcare facilities under immense strain. This crisis has disrupted both theoretical and practical training for nursing students, further complicating the urgent need for skilled healthcare professionals.
All nursing institutions in Gaza, including six universities and four colleges (two of which are university colleges), have begun offering theoretical coursework online through a dedicated portal. This transition to online education aims to ensure continuity in nursing education despite the ongoing conflict.
In response to consultations with national and international stakeholders, we propose a strategic approach to address these challenges.
- One key initiative is to reduce the practical training period in healthcare facilities from 12 weeks to 8 weeks, allowing graduates to enter the workforce more swiftly.
- Additionally, financial support is needed to cover essential costs associated with practical training.
- The Jordanian Institute will facilitate the registration of nursing students in Gaza and their supervisors for the Lippincott program, enhancing their skills and credentials.
- Establish four training centers within hospitals focused on basic nursing skills to provide hands-on experience and strengthen the practical component of nursing education.
- Project to liberate certificates of nursing graduate to allow them to join the healthcare workforce and support the delivery of healthcare services.
This multifaceted approach aims to not only rebuild the nursing education system but also to create a more resilient, effective, and equitable healthcare workforce in Gaza. By addressing these urgent needs, we can contribute to the overall recovery of the healthcare system and improve health outcomes for the affected populations.
Reduce the practical training period in healthcare facilities from 12 weeks to 8 weeks, allowing graduates to enter the workforce more swiftly.
Additionally, financial support is needed to cover essential costs associated with practical training.
The jordanian Institute will facilitate the registration of nursing students in Gaza and their supervisors for the Lippincott program, enhancing their skills and credentials.
All nursing institutions in Gaza, including six universities and four colleges(two of which are university colleges), have begun offering theoretical coursework online through a dedicated portal.
Establish four training centers within hospitals focused on basic nursing skills to provide hands-on experience and strengthen the practical component of nursing education.
Reduce the practical training period in healthcare facilities from 12 weeks to 8 weeks, allowing graduates to enter the workforce more swiftly.
Additionally, financial support is needed to cover essential costs associated with practical training.
The jordanian Institute will facilitate the registration of nursing students in Gaza and their supervisors for the Lippincott program, enhancing their skills and credentials.
All nursing institutions in Gaza, including six universities and four colleges(two of which are university colleges), have begun offering theoretical coursework online through a dedicated portal.
Establish four training centers within hospitals focused on basic nursing skills to provide hands-on experience and strengthen the practical component of nursing education.
Liberation of Withheld Nursing Certificates for Nursing Graduates
Project Summary:
The project aims to support students who have fulfilled the requirements for obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing, but whose university certificates have been withheld due to their inability to pay tuition fees. This is a result of extreme poverty, repeated wars, the suffocating siege on Gaza, and the high unemployment rates. So, the aim is to provide financial assistance to nursing graduates whose certificates have been withheld due to outstanding tuition fees. This initiative is crucial considering the severe shortage of healthcare professionals in Gaza, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict, which has claimed many lives among healthcare workers.
Problem Statement and Justification:
Universities and educational institutions in Palestine, like other higher education institutions, face severe financial constraints. They are unable to increase tuition fees due to the widespread poverty in Palestinian society. The nursing educational institutions rely heavily on fees to cover approximately 65% of their operational budget. This has resulted in the institutions being unable to meet even their minimum emergency needs. The problem is compounded by many students being unable to pay their full fees, which has worsened the issue year after year due to the continuous siege on Gaza, repeated wars, and the prevalence of poverty.
All nursing institutions in Gaza, including six universities and four colleges (two of which are university colleges) have been facing a difficult circumstances in Gaza, particularly, have led to students and their families being unable to pay tuition fees, causing many to postpone or even leave their studies until economic conditions improve. Moreover, the healthcare sector suffers from a severe shortage of human resources, particularly nursing staff, which significantly impacts the provision of emergency care amid the dire conditions faced by citizens in Gaza.
This project represents a vital step in supporting the healthcare system in Gaza and addressing the urgent needs of the Palestinian community during this critical time. Your financial support can help ensure that these nursing graduates are able to contribute to the health and well-being of their communities.
Project Location:
Universities and institutions where students have graduated in Nursing, including all the Nursing Universities and Colleges.
Project Timeline:
After project approval from the funding agency:
- Beneficiaries will be notified and will sign for receiving the grant within one week.
- The grant will be distributed to students’ accounts, and graduation certificates will be issued within one week.
- A closing ceremony will be prepared (via Zoom) for the project, with beneficiaries, their families, and recognition of the funding agency. A banner with the project and sponsor’s name will be prepared, along with photography and videography.
- The project will be closed, and final financial and administrative reports will be prepared, attaching receipts for each student, university certificates, and photos/videos of the ceremony within one week.
Target group and estimated budget:
Nursing University or College | Number of students | Total cost USD |
Alazhar University | 64 | 109,679.00 |
Islamic University | 219 | 154,888.00 |
Nursing and Health Sciences College (Diploma) | 405 | 183,285.00 |
Nursing and Health Sciences College (Bachelor) | 154 | 136,090.00 |
Alazhar College of Intermediate Studies | 718 | 906,534.00 |