Ms. Susan Mawire will join the WIS community as the School Nurse with effect from August 2024. The Oryx caught up with her, and here is what Susan had to say.
Susan Mawire, please tell us about yourself.
I'm delighted to introduce myself as a proud mother of three amazing girls and thrilled to have been part of the vibrant WIS community for the past eleven years. Engaging as a parent and actively participating in school life has been an incredibly rewarding journey for me. I draw constant inspiration from the boundless energy and enthusiasm of our students and families. My passion lies in cultivating a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can flourish both academically and personally. Let's keep WIS a place where learning is not just enriching but also incredibly enjoyable!
Could you tell us a little about your experience and your approach to being a school nurse?
With over 15 years of experience as a clinical and public health nurse, I've dedicated 8 years to serving as a school health nurse under the NGO Star for Life Namibia, operating within public schools across the country. Throughout my career, I've actively participated in implementing various USAID-funded programs such as DREAMS, ACHIEVE, and REACH, which has provided me with extensive exposure to working with both primary and secondary school communities.
I firmly believe that a student's well-being is intricately linked to their surrounding community, including parents and teachers. Therefore, in my approach to school nursing, I emphasize the importance of holistic health and information sharing, ensuring that it's not only informative but also engaging. Utilizing methods that promote learning through fun and interaction, I aim to create an environment where students feel empowered to take charge of their health and well-being.
People often like to know the academic and professional qualifications of staff at WIS. What and where have you studied and through which nurse councils are you registered?
My academic background includes a Postgraduate qualification in Health Services Management from UNAM, as well as a Diploma in General Nursing Science from Zimbabwe. Additionally, I have obtained diplomas in Midwifery Science and HIV/AIDS Management and Counseling from UNAM. To further enhance my expertise, I've completed several certificate programs with the University of Washington, focusing on Project Management in Global Health, Leadership and Management in Global Health, Global Mental Health, Policy Development and Advocacy in Global Health, and Introduction to Epidemiology for Global Health.
Professionally, I am registered as a nurse and midwife/accoucheur with the Health Professions Council of Namibia (HPCNA).
I served on the Namibia Coordination Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (NaCCATuM) Board, representing adolescents in Namibia from 2019 to date.
My achievements include involvement in developing the National Breastfeeding Policy and regulating breast milk substitutes in 2015, participating in the review of the National Strategic Framework (NSF) for HIV from 2017/18 to 2022/23 and from 2023/24 to 2027/28. I have also been part of various national technical working groups focusing on HIV testing services (HTS), Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Adolescent Health Services, and the Integrated School Health Program. Additionally, I have contributed to ongoing efforts such as drafting the National Rapid Test Guidelines and collaborating with the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) on PrEP Guidelines and Curriculum Review and Development. Moreover, I have served as a national trainer of trainers for the PrEP Curriculum.
What do you do when you aren’t serving as a nurse or working in public health? What do you do for fun?
Outside of my nursing and public health roles, I find rejuvenation and energy in nature. I love spending time outdoors, whether it's going for leisurely walks or embarking on hiking adventures. Engaging with the natural world is not only enjoyable for me but also serves as a means of recharging and revitalizing myself.
What are you most looking forward to in this role at WIS?
I'm particularly excited about the opportunity to positively impact the health and well-being of the students at WIS. I look forward to building relationships with the school community and collaborating with teachers, parents, and administrators to create a supportive environment where students can thrive both academically and physically. Additionally, I am eager to implement innovative health education initiatives and provide personalized care to address the unique needs of each student. Overall, I'm excited to contribute to fostering a culture of wellness and empowerment within the school community.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I am grateful for the opportunity to bring my expertise and passion for promoting health and well-being to the WIS community. With my background in clinical and public health nursing, along with my experience working in school health settings, I'm confident in my ability to make a meaningful difference here. I'm committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment where students can thrive, and I'm excited to embark on this journey together with the WIS community. Thank you for welcoming me, and I look forward to contributing to the health and success of all students.
