International Council of Nurses
The spirit of partnership between CNA and the developing country nursing association often extends beyond the funding of a project.
International Council of Nurses (ICN)
ICN is a federation of national nurses' associations (NNAs), representing nurses in more than 120 countries. Founded in 1899, ICN is the world's
first and widestreaching international organization for health professionals. Operated by nurses for nurses, ICN works to ensure quality nursing care
for
all, sound health policies globally, the advancement of nursing knowledge
and the worldwide presence of a respected nursing profession and a competent, satisfied nursing workforce.
- ICN's Mission http://www.icn.ch/indkit.htm
To represent nursing worldwide, advancing the profession and influencing health policy.
- Why it is important for CNA to be an active member
CNA was created in 1908 to allow for membership in ICN. Canadian nurses have a proud tradition of international involvement and leadership at ICN. CNA was the fourth NNA to join ICN. One Canadian has been an ICN president (Alice Girard), five have been ICN vice-presidents (Helen Glass, Helen Evans, Alice Baumgart, Eleanor Ross and Verna Huffman Splane) and CNA's former executive director, Judith Oulton, is currently ICN's executive director.
Through membership with ICN, CNA contributes to ensure quality nursing care for all, sound global policies, advancement of nursing knowledge and the presence of a respected and competent nursing profession. ICN standards, guidelines and policies for nursing practice, education, management and research support the CNA work in areas of health and nursing policy.
Geneva, Switzerland, April 24, 2006 – Forty orphaned girls in Africa are attending school this year, thanks to the Girl Child Education Fund, a new initiative of the International Council of Nurses (ICN), and its sister organization, The Florence Nightingale International Foundation (FNIF). The girls are in Kenya, Swaziland, Uganda and Zambia, where the programme is administered by the national nursing associations. The associations received applications from many prospective students and identified the neediest girls. Each beneficiary of the ICN/FNIF fund has lost a nurse parent and would otherwise be unable to continue their education. Ten students were selected in each country; of the total, 15 students are attending primary schools and 25 are enrolled in secondary grades.
Contributions to the fund can be made online at the ICN or FNIF website.
- $200 a year, or $16.60 each month, will provide for the education of a girl in primary school in sub-Saharan Africa
- $600 a year, or $50 each month, will provide for the education of a girl in secondary school in sub-Saharan Africa
- $5,000 will guarantee the education of a girl throughout her primary and secondary schooling years
For more information, visit the ICN website.
