University of Gondar Organizes Career Pathways and Entrepreneurship Training

The NURTURE project at the University of Gondar organizes Career Pathways and Entrepreneurship Training for graduating students

The NURTURE Project’s main aim is higher education capacity building in the areas of health, informatics, and special needs education. Accordingly, the project has worked closely with the College of Education in curriculum development and revision, equipment supply, and capacity-building training.

In an important move aimed at equipping 58 graduating students with essential skills for the modern workforce, the Norwegian NURTURE project in collaboration with the College of Education at the University of Gondar conducted a two-day career pathway and entrepreneurship training from August 24-25, 2024 at the University of Gondar’s Maraki campus. The training was designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application.

Mr. Daniel Tadesse, the project coordinator told the trainees that the training not only prepares them for their first job but also for a successful career and the potential to create jobs. He emphasized that taking the training is a vital step for them in ensuring employability and entrepreneurship opportunities for themselves and others.

While officially kicking off the training, Dr. Kindie Abeje, Dean of the College of Education acknowledged the project’s unwavering support in providing the college with an embosser, life skills training for its freshman students, and supporting the college’s endeavors in designing a curriculum for a master’s degree program in special needs education. Dr. Kindie also urged the trainees to have the determination to take every opportunity that comes their way.

Dr. Wultaw Mekuria, Delegate of the Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer, on his part, indicated that the training contents suggest that it is a high-level practical training and that it is important for the trainees to meet the needs of the service and manufacturing industry sectors with the knowledge and skills that they will acquire from this training. He also expressed his hopes that the training will give the trainees important clues to job searching and creating.

Key components of the program included career options in education, alternative career paths, business planning and strategy, financial literacy and management, networking and professional development, and marketing and branding.

The trainers’ expertise has also been central in fostering the next generation of skilled professionals and entrepreneurs. Mr. Ashenafi Desalegn is a Master Trainer and MHPSS expert with over a decade of experience in training, mental health support, and career development. Whereas Mr. Zelalem is an Accounting and Finance lecturer, ILO-certified business developer, and Employability skills and Dereja Academy Accelerator Program (DAAP) trainer.

What also made the training inclusive was that Special Needs Education students with hearing impairment were part of it. Accompanied by a sign language interpreter, the students contributed to the success of the training.

Below you can see the photos: