PROMISES AND CHALLENGES OF COMMUNITY-BASED LEARNING PROGRAM OF A UNIVERSITY IN A RURAL AREA OF GHANA

The purpose of this study is to describe the challenges and promises of community-based learning programs of a university in a rural area of Ghana. University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) is a new university located in an underdeveloped, rural area (Volta Region) of Ghana.

One of the main visions of UHAS is to be a “practically oriented health educational institution dedicated to community services.” This vision deserves special consideration given the serious shortage of healthcare professionals in Ghana, particularly in its rural areas.

As a way to achieve this vision, UHAS has incorporated community-based learning programs into its main curriculum. Every student is required to take a 4-credit course of the community-based learning program titled “Vocational Training” every summer semester.

Despite its ambitious endeavor to foster healthcare professionals who are dedicated to improving the healthcare services of their community through community-based learning programs, UHAS is facing many challenges in running the programs. Yonsei University and UHAS are working on a collaborative research project funded by Ministry of Education of Korea to improve UHAS’s education capacity focusing on strengthening its community-based learning programs.

Yonsei University’s research team visited UHAS and its community-based learning sites from June 27th through June 30th, 2017. Data were collected through interviews with faculty members and students. Additional data collection will be conducted while 12 UHAS’s faculty members are visiting Yonsei University to participate in professional development programs from August 6th through September 1st, 2017.

During this period, more in-depth interviews will be conducted to elucidate the challenges more accurately and comprehensively. The results of this study will provide solid ground for improving UHAS’s community-based learning programs and its overall education capacity.