Saint Mary’s University (SMU) is hosting two Belgian nurse educators, Ms. Inge Desmet and Ms. Kenny Apers, from September 22 to October 3, 2025. They’re here for a two-week nursing skills assessment and knowledge-sharing program as part of Project Maalaga.

Project Maalaga is an internationalization initiative that provides global employment opportunities for SMU graduates. Twenty Marian nurses were selected in July 2025 to undergo six months of intensive Dutch language training at SMU. After completing their training, they’ll travel to Belgium in January 2026 to begin their journey as international healthcare workers.

During their stay, the educators will conduct assessments and lectures for Project Maalaga candidates, covering healthcare topics such as psychological functions, diabetes care, wound care management, dementia care, and standard medical procedures. These activities aim to give the candidates an initial overview and hands-on knowledge of the healthcare practices, standards, and expectations they will encounter in Belgium.

Furthermore, Ms. Desmet and Ms. Apers will deliver lectures to our students on current trends and global nursing skills, while also engaging in curriculum matching with our faculty to further strengthen Saint Mary’s University’s Nursing curriculum.”