Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, Ndejje University Vice Chancellor has underscored internationalization as one of key pillars in the university’s strategic plan towards building quality academic, professional programmes and producing graduates of integrity.

Prof. Lugujjo made the remarks while inducting eleven intern students of Public Health and speech pathology from Southern Illinois University, USA and Ndejje University students from the Faculty of Social Science due for fieldwork and internship holiday programme.

A contingent of 11 student interns and two dons from Southern Illinois University, Edwards Vile (SIUE) arrived in the country following the exchange programme established with Ndejje University. The USA students include three who undertake speech pathology/audiology and eight in public health.

 They were accompanied by Public Health and Speech Pathologist, Assistant Prof. Kathryn Brady and Dr. Michelle Cathoral.

“You are not in Ndejje University by accident but fulfilling one of the university’s strategic plan of internationalizing our institution. You are what you have done and what you will be; is what you do now. Therefore your future is now and is dictated by the cardinal law and life,” the Vice Chancellor told the student interns from both universities.

He cautioned all the students going for field work and internship to be observant and learn from one another because it will eventually be their final destination

A contingent of 11 student interns and two dons from Southern Illinois University, Edwards Vile (SIUE) arrived in the country this week following the exchange programme established early this year with Ndejje University. The USA students include three students who undertake speech pathology/audiology and eight in public health.

The partnership between the two universities consequently kicked off this week with the introduction of field practice learning in the area of language pathology and audiology as well as public health.

The Vice Chancellor however advised the Ugandan and American student interns to develop the art of listening and observing to be able to learn from the people in their area of placements.

Dr. Michelle Cathoral said the American student interns were willing to learn and understand the problems of the community during their placement.

She believed the four- week internship programme involving the two University students will be beneficial to Uganda and America.

“Part of the field work is geared towards getting experience in the way to approach issues concerning the communities like clean water and environmental conditions. We must change the way we think about each other.

“Working together will therefore enable the students come up with creative solutions to challenges affecting the local communities,” said Dr. Cathoral during the induction.

The collaboration is expected to benefit Uganda communities in areas of public health and also add value to graduates who face challenges in working with speech impaired people especially in rural areas.

Ndejje University and the US-based SIUE will collaborate, reach out and work with rural communities in the field practice learning in Uganda, according to the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding.

Speech language pathology and audiology has an established strong science and liberal arts background that provides students with competitive edge on the job market.

The certified speech language pathologists and audiologists are on high demand worldwide. They are employed in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centres, nursing homes, media, judiciary and many other government agencies and private sector