AID grant no. 674-0309-G-SS-2044-00 to Medical Education for South African Blacks/South Africa (MESAB/SA) to provide support for South African students in the health professions at South African universities and technical training schools

The grant will provide bursaries to approximately 102 health professionals; approximately 60% to students in the allied disciplines (e.g., nursing, occupational therapy, oral hygiene, pharmacy, physical therapy, veterinary medicine, and speech/hearing therapy), and 40% to medical and dental students. Scholarships will cover 4 years of educational expenses, including tuition, residence, book allowances, medical allowances, and incidental funding. Since the medical and dentistry programs are 6 years in length, funding for the first 2 years of the program will be provided through MESAB/SA"s own funds; the 4-year bursar will be activated for these students at the start of their third year. Scholarship recipients will be required to participate in the MESAB Mentor Program as either a protege during the first 2 years of study or as a mentor in the last 2 years of study. The MESAB/SA will form an agreement with the Education Opportunities Council (EOC), which will help MESAB/SA to recruit, select, and monitor scholarship recipients. In addition, the grant will expand MESAB/SA"s capacities to administer the scholarship program. Grant money will be used to finance 30% of staff salaries; rent office space and buy office equipment; pay travel and per diem expenses of those MESAB/SA staff involved in the recruitment of scholarship recipients throughout South Africa; and fund TA provided by MESAB/USA staff during annual visits.