Global Health Community Engagement Field School

Hosted by the Department of Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Research through Healthy Child Uganda (HCU) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), the Global Health Community Engagement Field School is a Ugandan–Canadian partnership initiative with the University of Calgary (UC).

Hosted by the Department of Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Research through Healthy Child Uganda (HCU) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), the Global Health Community Engagement Field School is a Ugandan–Canadian partnership initiative with the University of Calgary (UC). Since 2019, the four-week program has brought together undergraduate students from both universities for collaborative learning focused on community engagement and health promotion. Grounded in principles of equitable and reciprocal global health partnerships, the Field School recognizes community members as active and insightful agents of change and emphasizes bi-directional learning between Ugandan and Canadian students, and between students and the communities they serve.

The Field School offers a unique, hands-on experience where students learn about reciprocal community engagement, facilitate reflection on local health issues, and co-create strengths-based health promotion initiatives. Participants gain valuable interpersonal and cross-cultural skills while working in interdisciplinary teams alongside community members. Guided by Uganda’s Ministries of Health and Education at district and national levels, the program aligns with national priorities and contributes to sustainable, community-driven health improvement.

Field School Leads

  • Ms. Naggayi Barbara

    University LecturerFaculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Community Engagement Facilitator and is the team lead for the field school program at Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Uganda. Barbara works with a team of Facilitators.

  • Dr. Prudence Kemigisha

    Lecturer/Head of department of Community Engagement and Service Learning, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

  • Dr. Dorcus Achen

    Lecturer Department of Planning and Governance, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies (FIS), Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST)

  • Dr. Wilfred Arubaku

    Senior Lecturer, and Head, Department of Dental Surgery Mbarara University of Science and Technology

  • Ms. Nancy Nyamweya

    District facilitator

  • Ms. Kyomuhangi Teddy

    Program Manager and Coordinator for the field school Program, Healthy Child Uganda, Department of Maternal Newborn and Child Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

  • Dr. Jenn Brenner, MD

    Assistant Dean, Global Health at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary/Co-Director Healthy Child Uganda

  • Sophie Pett

    Program Coordinator, Global Health University of Calgary

  • Mr. Chris Enns

    Senior Manager, Global Health at the Cumming School of Medicine University of Calgary

  • Guido van Marle, MSc, PhD, Professor

    Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Director International Partnerships | Indigenous, Local & Global Health Office co-Director Biomedical Sciences|Bachelor of Health Sciences Program, Cumming School of Medicine|University of Calgary