AUK and The Restoration Act Sign MoU to Advance Healthcare in Kurdistan

On November 10, 2024, the American University of Kurdistan (AUK) and The Restoration Act (TRA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance nursing education and to improve patient care in the Kurdistan Region. Dr. Randall Rhodes, President of AUK, and Ms. Rebecca Thompson, TRA’s Founder, formalized the agreement, with key attendees including Becky Thompson, TRA President/Founder, Layla Dakhil, TRA PKU Project Leader, Lynette Schatz, TRA Administrative Assistant, Brian Schatz, TRA Health Programs Coordinator, and Dr. Jervy Bernardino, Dean of AUK’s College of Nursing.

TRA, an International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO), specializes in healthcare, education, and humanitarian support, with a focus on conditions like Phenylketonuria (PKU) and other Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEM). This partnership aims to provide AUK’s nursing students with valuable hands-on experience by working alongside TRA’s healthcare team, particularly in these specialized fields.

Brian Schatz, TRA’s Health Programs Coordinator, emphasized the importance of practical experience, stating, “Collaborative agreements between AUK and private healthcare providers are essential for translating theoretical knowledge into patient-centered care.”

The MoU also includes plans for future collaborations on awareness events, trainings, and seminars, enriching both student education and community engagement in the region. This partnership is a major step toward improving healthcare education and practice in Kurdistan.

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