Life Skills Training for Students with Disabilities

Nurture Project Conducted a two-day Life Skills Training for Students with Disabilities

The Nurture Project, in collaboration with the College of Education and Disability Research and Service Directorate at the University of Gondar, organized a two-day life skills training for 120 recently enrolled students with disabilities. The training was held from April 26-27, 2024, at the University of Gondar’s Maraki Campus with the title “Empowering Recently Enrolled Students with Disabilities through Life Skills Training”.

Mr. Daniel Tadesse, coordinator of the Nurture Project, gave an introduction about the Nurture Project, which is implemented in partnership with five universities in Ethiopia, and two universities and one research institute in Norway. The project’s focus areas include Special Needs, Informatics, and Health Informatics. In addition, it supports graduates in their entrepreneurial endeavors, conducts research, and provides long- and short-term training. The project also works to establish and strengthen disability support centers. A good example of this is a recent training on the use of a braille embosser machine, which the project purchased.

Dr. Kassahun Tegegne, Academic Vice President of the University of Gondar, stated that the purpose of the event was to equip first-year students with disabilities with knowledge and skills that will improve their livelihoods and those of their families. He emphasized that the University of Gondar is accessible to students with disabilities, and he advised the trainees to have plans and manage their time effectively in order to successfully implement them. He also encouraged the trainees to be role models and advocates for those who are voiceless.

Dr. Asrat Atsedeweyn, President of the University of Gondar, shared the university’s achievements in quality education and community service. He highlighted that the university has been recognized multiple times by various institutions for its success in quality education and inclusive education. He also emphasized the importance of disability inclusion in any developmental activity and gave the trainees the assignment to work with the university to set an example for other local universities. Dr. Asrat also mentioned that the University has learned valuable lessons from ongoing projects such as CBR and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. These projects have played a significant role in creating awareness and transforming persons with disabilities into productive members of society. He expressed his belief that the training organized by the Nurture Project will provide valuable opportunities for the trainees to develop their skills. He also commended the trainees to set clear visions and become ambassadors of the university.

Following Dr. Asrat’s speech, Mrs. Mekdes Melesse facilitated important sections of the training, including personal, social, and academic skills that the trainees need to develop. According to her, these skills will help the trainees overcome various challenges they may face during their time at the university and beyond. The training also served as a platform where selected staff and students with disabilities shared their experiences with the trainees. Mr. Seyoum Tilahun is a faculty member of the Department of Lifelong Learning and Community Development and has a visual impairment. He has ample experience both as a student and faculty, whose lived experience sets an example for students with disabilities in tackling challenges that they often face.

Mr. Habtamu Debalkie joined the University of Gondar as a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Scholar in 2017. He is currently studying for his MSc and is serving as president of the Program’s Scholars’ Council. Mr. Habtamu talked about the challenges he faces and the coping mechanisms he uses to overcome them. He also talked about the benefits of participating in extracurricular activities.

Below you can see the photos from the two-day training session: