Campus-wide effort began in 1990, when the IU School of Medicine and Moi University School of Medicine forged an innovative exchange programme of medical faculty, residents and students
The Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis campus is half a world away from Kenya's Moi University, but they are building a bridge that links what has been described as one of the most significant international partnerships in the IU system.
The School of Informatics at IUPUI has signed aboard a campus-wide effort that began in 1990, when the IU School of Medicine and Moi University School of Medicine forged an innovative exchange programme of medical faculty, residents and students.
Other IUPUI entities are joining the initiative, including the schools of nursing, dentistry, liberal arts, art, music, education, physical education and tourism management, University College, University Library and Student Life and Diversity.
"This is an exciting way for the School of Informatics to extend international learning opportunities to our students and to those in Kenya who might come to our campus to study," says Darrell Bailey, executive associate dean.
"It will provide our faculty, students and staff with a direct connection to, and a deeper understanding of, sub-Saharan Africa and issues such as technology challenges, community development, and health and environmental concerns." Bailey journeyed to Kenya and met with Moi officials last summer to discuss ways the School of Informatics could assist with the university's information technology needs.
On 19 October 2006, Neal Moore, the school's community relations director, will travel to Kenya with two other IUPUI representatives, Josh Sprunger (Center on Philanthropy) and Nan Bohan (International Community Development) for further discussions and to visit Moi's teaching hospital in remote Eldoret.
In November, a School of Informatics technology team will return to Eldoret and install a computer and wireless network systems.
They also will videotape a ceremonial signing agreement involving IUPUI and Moi officials, an event that will further cement the partnership between the two universities.
