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