Social Work Scholarship
African Palliative Care Scholarship Fund for Social Workers
Realising the role Social workers play in palliative care, FHSSA and the African Palliative Care Association have established the Social Workers’ scholarship fund which will provide an opportunity for Social Workers involved in palliative care in Africa to undergo training in Palliative Care. The National Association of Social Workers in the US (NASW) is providing funding support for this programme. Scholarships will be awarded up to a maximum of US $4,000 per person through a competitive application process once a year.
Psychosocial, spiritual and cultural issues contribute seventy five percent of the pain and suffering associated with a life threatening illness. Social work plays a critical role in palliative care because of its unique perspective, knowledge, and skills, including: its expertise in navigating of medical and social systems; its knowledge base in the support, education, and interventions with patients, families and interdisciplinary teams; and its commitment to social justice and alleviation of health disparities. The social work role encompasses a broad range of functions in addition to direct practice with patients and families.
What the Scholarship fund will Support
Training programs which the Scholarship supports include:
Palliative care education and training for Social Workers at recognized institutions. Priority will be given to education and training programs run in Africa. Training programs which the Scholarship supports include:
- Bachelor of Science in Palliative Medicine (Degree)
- Distance learning diploma in palliative care
- Psycho social palliative care courses
- Palliative Care Initiators courses
- Sponsorship for social workers to attend and make presentation to targeted national and international conferences on palliative care with an objective of improving their presentation skills and giving them an opportunity to interact with other palliative care and social work practitioners. Preference will be given to those with accepted abstracts.
- A contribution to one distance learning Masters training in palliative care related field may be considered
- Placement of social work students to undertake internships in palliative care units or Hospices.
Further information about the scholarships and how to apply can be found on APCA’s website. Please note that the application form is a Word document that is linked at the end of APCA’s page. Completed application forms and enquiries should be emailed to: David K Byaruhanga, Programme Officer, Small grants; socialwork.scholarships@africanpalliativecare.org by 30th April 2012 and receipt will be acknowledged
With additional financial support from new donors, the Fund can have an even greater impact. Individuals interested in learning more about supporting this program should contact FHSSA staff, at info@fhssa.org or 703-647-5176.
