Victoria University nursing student Charlotte Fanirwoth is among the few health workers who were recognized at this year’s Heroes in Health (HIHA) Awards.
Charlotte was recognized by the Ministry of Health as the First Runner-Up in the Nurse of the Year category. This means she is the second nurse in Uganda who is offering selfless services to the wanainchi.
The University Vice Chancellor, Prof Lawrence Muganga said that his student’s success is a testament that the University is offering the best and quality education that everyone can dream about.
“I have been telling people that at Victoria University we nurture problem solvers and critical thinkers and that’s why you see people like Charlotte being recognized by the government through Ministry of Health,” said Muganga.
Muganga noted that what ranks their students the best is the unique programs offered by the University including the Career Readiness Employability Program (CRE) and Experiential Learning. The two programs equip students with skills that are highly demanded in the job market.
“Victoria University is ranked the best because is we have moved from the ancient teaching model of heaping theories onto our students. We don’t waste time on theory, we offer practical learning and by the time our students graduate, they have papers but most importantly the skills and experience required in the job market,” Muganga added.
The famous educationist Muganga called up on all students looking for a University that will build their dreams to come to Victoria University, an institution celebrated on the entire continent for producing a competent labor force.
“It’s nolonger doubtable that Victoria University is the only university that nurtures leaders like Charlotte who are determined to solve country’s problems. We are committed at producing graduates who contribute to country’s growth. We will never contribute to the suffering of many unemployed graduates from other universities,” vowed Muganga adding,”am happy that the country has already started enjoying quality instilled in our students like Charlotte, we produce quality assets to help build this nation.”
On her part, Charlotte praised Victoria University for making her the best nurse that the country is proud of.
Charlotte who holds a diploma in nursing said is serving as a critical care nurse and specialized nurse who attends to those who are critically ill at Kiryandongo hospital.
Often called ICU nurses because of the unit they commonly work in, critical care nurses are highly trained to understand and provide care for people of all ages who are recovering from life-threatening illnesses or injuries.
“I joined Victoria University with less digital skills. As I speak today am called a digi-expert by my fellow nurses,” she said adding; “I thank Victoria University for introducing long distance learning well known as Vclass that enables me to study from where ever I am without any interruption.”
Charlotte’s achievement also thrilled Dr Joan Kempango Ruhongore the Dean Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences who noted that Charlotte being a health worker at Kiryandongo hospital, the University gave her a weekend program that enables her to keep her job secured but also be able not to miss any lecture.
She noted that they have a couple of programs in the health department among them including Bachelor of Midwifery Science, Bachelor of Nursing Science, Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Bachelor of Pharmacy and Bachelor of Science in Public Health.
Others are; Master of Science in Public Health, Masters of Science in Sexual and Reproductive Health, Master of Science in Global Health Nutrition and Master of Science in Health Service Management.
In conclusion, Prof Muganga said Victoria University recognizes excellence and as a way of encouraging other students, the University offered Charlotte a full scholarship and Ugx1million that will help her foot transport costs as she comes for her lectures.
About HIHA
The Heroes in Health (HIHA) Awards is a Public-Private Partnership project instituted in 2019 by the Ministry of Health with the support of Xtraordinary Media.
HIHA is a rewards initiative instituted to recognize outstanding individuals, entities, organizations, services, products, and programs. This is a public choice award, where members of the public will nominate and vote their heroes.
The strategic objective is that by shining light on their outstanding contributions; individual, community, nonprofit, public and private players in the health sector will be rallied to innovate, serve the public better and to embrace global trends in the delivery of efficient healthcare to Uganda’s citizens.
The HIHA are hosted annually to pay homage to the dedicated and talented foot soldiers, practitioners, academics, organizations and other sector partners who dedicate their careers, time, life and resources to providing exemplary care, innovation and service to Ugandans countrywide.