On Friday, November 15, 2024, the Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society welcomed a high-ranking state delegation from Tajikistan. The visit, which was made possible as part of funding from the German Society for International Cooperation(GIZ Tajikistan) and with financial support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development(BMZ), was all about exchanging expertise on the conversion of midwifery training from a vocational college course to an academic Bachelor's degree course.
The delegation from Tajikistan showed great interest in the reasons and factors that have led to the academization of midwifery training in Germany. Particular attention was paid to the experiences and lessons learned during this process. Tajikistan is also planning to professionalize its own midwifery education by introducing degree programs to strengthen the position of midwives.
Another highlight of the visit was the presentation by the President of the Tajik Midwives Association, Zarina Ibragimova. She presented the current situation of midwives in Tajikistan, explained obstetric care, the structure of training and addressed the social discussions surrounding violence in obstetrics. The students of the first semester of the B.Sc. Midwifery Science degree programs at the HWG LU took the opportunity to reflect on and discuss similarities and differences in professionalization in both countries.
Professor Nina Knape PhD, Vice President of the HWG LU and head of the degree program, warmly welcomed the delegation and introduced the Bachelor's degree program in Midwifery Science. Prof. Michaela Michel-Schuldt PhD supplemented the presentation with an introduction to the Master's degree program "Innovative Care Practice in Nursing and Midwifery" and research focal points from the Midwifery Science team.
After having lunch together in the canteen, the delegation visited the interdisciplinary skills lab at HWG LU. Mareike Kast explained the pedagogical principles of practical training in the skills and simulation lab and gave the guests a tour of the premises. The delegation was able to witness a practice session by first semester students under the direction of Miriam Beller.
This intensive and enriching day of exchange impressively demonstrated the importance of international dialog and cooperation in the field of midwifery education. The HWG LU is pleased to contribute to the further development of midwifery in Tajikistan and Germany through this visit and to promote exchange between the two countries.
Professional contact:
Prof. Dr. Michaela Michel-Schuldt PhD
Midwifery Science
Departments of Social and Health Care
michaela.michel-schuldt@ 8< SPAM protection, please remove >8 hwg-lu.de
