THE Guyana Nurses Association in collaboration with the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Guyana (UG) launched the Gwen Tross Research Foundation on Thursday, which is an improvement plan for students and nurses from the Health Science Faculty to achieve more than a bachelor degree in their field of study.This is done through a research process in which persons are asked to complete topics relating to health, such as HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB) and Cancer among a few. After a research is completed, the Tross Foundation provides a communication team to analyse the research thoroughly in order to assess its worth.

If it is found that the research was well developed, the student is granted financial assistance from the Foundation or a scholarship from the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) to further their studies in the required field.

Meanwhile, at the launching, founder of the Foundation, Gwendolin Tross expressed her love for research, revealing that she was motivated to start such a Foundation, since she was not granted the opportunity to forward her education abroad.

It was noted that an initial funding will be offered to nurses who are interested in reaching their full potential of studies.

However, the nurses were urged to arrange fund raising exercises in order to build and contribute to the success of the programme.

According to Mrs. Tross, “not everyone that plans to be a part of the foundation will be funded to complete the program,” as the funding process depends on the quality of work being presented.

A committee will be set up in order to grade the research and the best ones will be selected to continue their studies with the assistance of the foundation. Those persons selected, will have strict guidelines on their quality of studies, while demonstrating that they have a passion for the nursing profession.

Coordinator of the BSC Nursing degree Program, Afesha Marshall urged students to take up the opportunity, as she believes that they can excel in the research process which will move them from where they are today to a more secured foundation. Lecturers are also advised to use the foundation as a learning opportunity so that they can better their skills while at the same time better those of the students.