AMREF UK

"I am a single mother, with two children. I always held an ambition to become a nurse. In 1992, I joined Muranga Medical Training Centre in Central Province to study for an Enrolled Community Health Nursing Certificate. The course took two and a half years to complete, at a cost of 30,000 Kenyan shillings. I had the option to continue studying for a registered nursing diploma, but by then my daughter was eight years old. I could not afford to pay tuition fees and there seemed to end my dream to become a nurse.

However, when I found out about AMREF's e-learning course, I started to hope that the opportunity was there for me after all. I enrolled on the e‐learning programme in March 2007, as part of the first class of students at AVNS. The best aspect of the programme was its flexibility, allowing me to remain in full-time employment. I did not have to leave my job or family.

I am more confident now, as I can diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions, from mental illness to infectious diseases

Before I joined the programme, I had never even used a computer before. To my surprise, I did not find it hard to adapt to e-learning. At AMREF, we spent two weeks being coached in IT skills. I would not say that I am computer literate, but I can use a computer well enough to run the programme. The e-learning programme taught me many new skills. I am more confident now, as I can diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions, from mental illness to infectious diseases. Previously, I would rely on advice from senior nurses and doctors. Today, I can treat more patients independently. I am even able to notice mistakes made by doctors.

Today, I am a proud to say that I am a qualified registered nurse. My next dream is to one day continue my nursing education to degree level."