Royal University of Phnom Penhand
University of WashingtonSocial Work Partnership
Tracy W. Harachi
International Collaborations:Costs and Resource Challenges
What excites me about this partnership?
Seeks long term reciprocal collaboration
Increases human capacity for both partnersHas local relevance for Cambodians while opening doors for our University
Cultural Context
Post conflict society
1979 fall of Pol Pot & Khmer Rouge~ ¼ of population dead~ 200 college educated alive
Ranked 159/161 most corrupt countryHighest rate of amputees in worldHighest rate of HIV in AsiaHigh rate of infant mortalityLittle access to clean H2O & sanitationHigh rate of illiteracy3 out of 10 PTSD
Hugely aid dependent economy
267 registered International NGOs
$ haven’t translated into increased capacity
(Godfrey et al 2002)
Little rebuilding of higher education
2003 Royal University of Phnom Penh approached UW to support the creation of the first Social Work college department in Cambodia
1992 arrival of UNTAC and sea of NGOs
Different models to start new departmentsRUPP asked to send 1 faculty (Sociology) for MSWOur strategy: bring 2 cohorts for group learning
School Buy-in Dean, BASW, MSW Program CommitteesTurnover 3 DeansMultiple independent endeavors
University ClimateNew Vice Provost of Global AffairsStrong Office of International Programs & ExchangesNew Dept Global Health & Institute of Health Metrics
$$ bi-national, multi-national, private donors
Unfilled position announcements for social workers
Phase 1
100% financial support for 5 students to attend MSWState legislative support for reciprocal programs
Personnel / Time costsNeed coordinatorOrientationAcademic supportMedical care
Target 12 faculty for sustainable departmentRecruit 6-7 more faculty candidatesNot feasible to cont. training at UWIdentify new MSW partners
Phase II
Support faculty developmentUtilize Ctr for Instructional Development
Develop structure for field learningUtilize AVI, Maryknoll volunteers
Develop collaborative research projectsUS Initiated: Deportees of Cambodian AmericansCambodia Initiated: Maternal HIV Transmission
Practicum placements – Unexpected Kenya
Utilize UW home tuition program
Continue to define partners’ roles
Cultivate departmental leadership Indigenization not authentization