UoG Staff Awarded “Rising Star Award” of People to People (USA)

Professor Afework Kassu, Vice President for Research and Community Service at University of Gondar, was given the “Rising Star Award” of People to People (P2P) for his exemplary academic and research excellence as well as effective leadership at his university including his role in strengthening international partnerships. The award was given at the 6th Global Ethiopian Diaspora Conference on Health Care and Medical Education conducted at the Sheraton Pentagon City, in Arlington, VA, USA on September 20th, 2014 in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Keseteberhan Admasu, Minister of Health of Ethiopia. The opening ceremony was also attended by His Excellency Ambassador Girma Birru, Ambassador of Ethiopia to the USA, Mr. Matt Nosanchuk, Director for Outreach at the National Security Council of White House, as well as Ms.Tsehaynesh Abebe, Advisor at USAID Africa Bureau. The main theme of the conference was “Global Health and Its Significance for Ethiopia”. About 250 Health Care Professionals from all corners of the United States attended the conference. While most attendees were of Ethiopian origin, non-Ethiopians with work experience or plans of future involvement in Ethiopia were also well represented. Following the award ceremonies, Professor Afework had given a key note lecture on “the historic 60th year Diamond Jubilee Celebration of the University of Gondar, the role of Alumni, and his perspectives on University Education in Ethiopia”.

In addition to Professor Afework, P2P awarded two more individuals selected after a competitive process: 1) Professor Fikre Workineh, Professor of Psychiatry at Addis Ababa University was given the “Life Time Achievement Award” for his pioneering role in the development of Psychiatry in Ethiopia; 2) Sister Tsigereda Yisfawossen, Founder and Executive Director of Hospice Ethiopia, was given the “Public Service Award” for her pioneering role in establishing hospice services in Ethiopia.
People To People, Inc. is a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) governed by a Board of Directors and operating under IRS code 501 (C) (3). It was founded in April 1999 in the state of Kentucky, USA as a non-profit organization. It has no political, ethnic or religious affiliation. It is comprised of people armed with spirit of compassion to bring hope to those who find themselves in hopeless situations brought about by various determinants. P2P is globally emerging as a bridge and network of the Ethiopian diaspora committed and willing to give back to its motherland. It has developed strategies of mobilizing the Ethiopian diaspora to provide support not just in health and education areas alone but also in other sectors of social and economic development. People To People, Inc. is headquartered in USA and operates in USA, Canada, Sweden, Finland and Ethiopia. If you would like to learn more about P2P please visit https://www.peoplepeople.org and become a member/volunteer. You can also join P2P’s email group to get connected with experts and volunteers via People_to_People_Forum@yahoogroups.com