Exploring nursing education support in a resource-limited setting: Insights from a Japan international cooperation agency-university volunteer program

Abstract

Objective This report aims to explore nursing education support activities conducted in a resource-limited setting under the framework of a partnership program between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and universities for short-term volunteers, and to examine educational insights and implementation-related challenges.

Methods Nursing education support activities were conducted in Country A. The activities included the design and implementation of a gerontological nursing mini-course, assistance in skills laboratory teaching, and supervision of clinical practicums in hospital settings. Field observations, activity records, educational materials, and reflective documentation were used as sources and were examined using a descriptive practice-based approach.

Results The gerontological nursing mini-course incorporated experiential and interactive learning methods. Students demonstrated active engagement in discussions and rubric-based assignments. Local instructors indicated interest in the continuation of the course. However, limitations were noted related to the short-term nature of the assignment, a gap between the need for sustained teaching support and available personnel.

Conclusions The findings suggest that, with adequate preparation and collaboration with local counterparts, short-term volunteers may contribute to nursing education support in resource-limited settings. At the same time, issues related to the duration of assignment within the program and role allocation remain important considerations for future program implementation.

Keywords

Experiential learning / Gerontological nursing / International support for nursing education / JICA-university partnership / Short-term volunteers

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