Literature indicates a high prevalence and burden of mental illness in youths word-wide, which may be even higher in low and middle-income countries, such as South Africa and Zambia. Additionally, there is a lack of knowledge regarding youth depression amongst many primary health care (PHC) practitioners. The principal goal of the mega project is to provide youth with better access to mental health services and appropriate care, by developing a mental health screening mobile application tool to be used in PHC settings in South Africa and Zambia.In this study, we will use a mixed methods multi-center study design. In phase one we will investigate the mental health literacy of PHC practitioners to identify areas in need of development. Based on the needs identified, we will develop and test a mobile health application to screen for common youth mental health problems in phase two. In phase three, we will implement and evaluate a tiered education and training program in the use of the m-health application. In the final phase, we will evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of the m-health application in PHC centres across South Africa and Zambia. Evidence suggests that PHC practitioners should routinely consider mental illness when assessing youth. However, common psychiatric disorders remain largely undetected and untreated in PHC settings. By identifying limitations in PHC knowledge with regard to youth mental health, we aspire to improve the depression care provided to youth in Southern Africa and Zambia by developing and implementing a locally relevant m-health application.

Paper reviews differences between virtual mobility and distance learning, providing insight into current state of art for online learning in higher education. Authors analyze main barriers and obstacles for live virtual mobility to become a mainstream practice as well as justify the possible regions of operation. Summary is provided for the most visible pilot projects that have paved the way for the term virtual mobility to become an object of interest. Main impact factors are listed and the discussion part summarizes the future vision of live virtual student mobility in higher education.

Introduction: There has been a sharp increase in the use of digital health interventions in global health, particularly mobile health applications, in recent years. The extreme shortage of health care providers trained in mental health screening and intervention in low-and middle-income countries raises questions about the applicability of mobile applications to deliver these services due to their accessibility and availability. This exploratory paper describes the development and feasibility assessment of a mobile screening application for the detection of mental disorders among adolescents in Zambia and South Africa. Methods: Eighty-two health care workers (HCW) working in primary care evaluated the acceptability and practicality of the mobile screening application after receiving brief training. The evaluation included questions from the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) as well as open-ended questions. Results: The acceptability of the screening app was high and study participants were positive about using the app in routine care. Problems with internet connectivity, and time and staff constraints were perceived as the main barriers to regular use. Conclusion: HCW in primary care were able and willing to use a mobile screening app for the detection of mental health problems among treatment-seeking adolescents. Implementation in clinical practice needs to be further evaluated.

No abstract

Innovation economy demands new skills and competences, creates the need to repeatedly and regularly improve one's knowledge and skills, therefore the link must be maintained between labor market requirements and higher education offer. As solution to above mentioned problems strategy proposes that educational and cultural education institutions should become the centers of social networking, in the management of which parents, teaching staff, students, as well as wider local community, including entrepreneurs, representatives of professional and sectoral associations, participate and co-operate. There is a particular emphasis on the need to develop programs of voluntary mentors. In year 2013 colleges and universities in the United States raised 33.80 billion USD in total voluntary support (Council for Aid to Education report, 201410). Alumni donations constitute almost one third of all the amount raised. In UK higher education institutions received GBP 657 million in cash income as philanthropic support in year 2103-14. This experience proves that keeping meaningful contact with alumni is a long term strategy and eventually results not only in intellectual cooperation but also a substantial source of financing. Alumni engagement activities have proved to be an effective tool providing life-long learning for alumni, experience exchange between experienced alumni and young alumni and students as well as, in the long-term, financial support for the universities by alumni and their companies. Two solutions are being discussed in this paper - ICT platform and alumni association. Paper is based on the Riga Technical University's example, EXTEND project case studies also publicly available statistics/data.