A Partnership in Care: Emory University and OEF

For nearly two decades, OEF has been proud to partner with Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing in fostering a collaborative relationship rooted in service, learning, and shared purpose. In partnership with OEF, a group of twelve student nurses, led by faculty members Dr. Caroline Coburn and Dr. Anita Rich, visited Eleuthera in March to participate in a mutually beneficial, annual service-learning experience.

The Emory team worked in local clinics, conducted free community health checks, and visited schools, providing much-needed healthcare support and education while also building relationships within the community. These annual trips have proven to be more than just educational exchanges—they represent a powerful model of cross-cultural collaboration, providing Emory’s student nurses with broadened perspectives and valuable lessons in resilience and resourcefulness.

At the core of this successful collaboration is One Eleuthera Foundation’s commitment to promoting health and wellness as a key focus of sustainable community development.

By facilitating these annual service-learning trips, OEF plays a crucial role in bridging gaps in healthcare access while also exposing the next generation of healthcare professionals to the realities and rewards of community-based service.

The OEF study abroad program, in partnership with visiting universities, drives educational tourism, supports local businesses, and boosts Eleuthera’s economy by injecting over $110,000 every year. It is a shining example of what is possible when education, community service, and philanthropy are combined to address local needs and support a successful cross-border collaboration model.