ISLP Health Care in South Africa

Chrissy Rufo is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

As you may know, in January of 2015 I made the decision to return to school. In 2017, I was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society through Cecil College, and it is through them that I have now been offered an amazing opportunity.

Based on my academic achievements and major, I recently received an invitation to the International Scholar Laureate Delegation on Nursing and Health Care held in South Africa. Through this program I would have the opportunity to meet other students from different colleges and universities around the world and have an exclusive opportunity to learn about the health care system in South Africa. While there, I will be experiencing site exploration, lectures by top health care professionals, carefully developed activities, and group discussions with professional Q&A sessions with local health care providers. This will allow me to begin building a professional network, as well as explore the unique aspects of health care in my host country.

Throughout the trip I will be visiting nursing schools, public and private hospitals and a traditional Zulu village and gain hands-on experience. In Johannesburg and Durbin I have the opportunity to attend lectures on new research in emerging diseases and how they overcome barriers to delivering healthcare in the hospitals and non-traditional health facilities.

This is an incredible, once in a lifetime opportunity and I'm truly honored that I was even nominated to attend. This trip would enable me to gain experience that I could never get just by attending classes, or even through related experience. Enrollment deadline is March 2, with the balance due in August-- and being able to go would mean the world to me. The cost of the trip includes roundtrip airfare, hotel, meals, health insurance, staffing and administration and in-country transportation. I am also applying for scholarships through both the ISLP and Phi Theta Kappa, but as with all scholarships they are in high demand with low availability.

I am truly thankful for any donations that can be made, but if financial support is out of your reach at this time, I completely understand and hope that you can share my request with your family and friends. Of course, in addition to applying for scholarships, I am also planning and saving funds to put towards this trip in order to fill the differences. I know this is an expensive trip and I’m not the type to reach out to others for help, but I have no doubt that I would come away with invaluable information which I can take with me throughout the healthcare field.

Thank you for taking the time to help me reach my educational goals and for your support!! :)