# Health Education Without Borders: Innovation Through Collaboration - International Conference in Maputo – April 10, 2025

> Health Education Without Borders conference emphasized collaboration, innovation, and student-centered learning.

## Overview
This article provides an overview of the international conference Health Education Without Borders, jointly organized by Savonia University of Applied Sciences (Finland) and ISCISA (Mozambique). The event highlighted the key results from two major international initiatives: 
*   **Erasmus+ SA-IS** (1.8.2022–31.7.2025)
*   **Future Health HUB** (funded by Team Finland Knowledge, 1.8.2023–31.12.2025)

These projects have played a significant role in developing new approaches to healthcare education through collaboration, innovation, and international partnerships. This was the first conference organized by ISCISA University, with a total of 41 participants.

## Conference Themes and Follow-up Articles
The main conference is accompanied by a series of sub-articles exploring key themes:
*   **Work-based learning and the Health HUB model:** Supporting students in evidence-based projects, including a home visit pilot in Maputo.
*   **Future Health HUB development:** Resources for using open-access academic sources and descriptions of evidence-based pilot projects in Maputo and Kuopio.
*   **Erasmus+ project outcomes:** Focus on the use of virtual learning environments (VLE) prior to internships and the promotion of cultural understanding through international mobility.

## Student Perspectives
Seven students participated in the survey, describing the day as highly engaging and meaningful. Key takeaways included:
*   **Active Participation:** Students felt encouraged to contribute through panel discussions, open conversations, and sharing personal experiences.
*   **Professional Growth:** Presentations on future healthcare skills prompted reflection on professional development.
*   **Cultural Insight:** Students emphasized the impact of international exchange on both academic growth and personal identity.

## Teacher Perspectives
Seventeen teachers responded to the survey, noting the following:
*   **Educational Insights:** The event provided new perspectives on cross-cultural collaboration and student-centered learning.
*   **Model for Collaboration:** The Future Health HUB model was recognized as a strong example of student-teacher collaboration generating community impact.
*   **Structured Process:** The event’s approach—identifying, understanding, addressing, and evaluating challenges—provided a useful framework for future international projects.

## Working Life Perspectives
Two representatives from working life sectors expressed strong interest in continuing collaboration, suggesting:
*   Continuing student and teacher mobility.
*   Sharing practical healthcare knowledge, such as treatment videos.
*   Exchanging skills and procedures through new joint projects to build long-term partnerships.

## Participant Feedback and Future Outlook
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 9.0/10. Nearly 80% of participants stated the event exceeded their expectations. 

**Key insights from participants:**
*   Meaningful improvements in healthcare require commitment, empathy, and human connection.
*   Participants gained practical ideas for project topics and community-based health promotion.

**Suggestions for future sustainability:**
*   Expanding the program to two days.
*   Offering hybrid (in-person and online) participation.
*   Involving a larger cohort of students and teachers.
*   Providing materials in both English and Portuguese.

The consensus among participants is that the collaboration must continue and be integrated into long-term strategies for healthcare education and professional development.

## Authors
*   **Marja Gröhn-Rissanen**, International Coordinator, Senior Lecturer, MSc, Rn. Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Department of Health care, marja-liisa.grohn-rissanen@savonia.fi
*   **Leonel Monjane**, Senior Lecturer, MSc, The head of licentiates degree program in BLS, radiography, and Pathologic Anatomy at Instituto Superior de Ciências de Saúde (ISCISA), leonelfidalgomonjane@gmail.com