Ammanuel Specialized Mental Health Hospital in association with UoG graduate 23 specialized students
On 1 October the University of Gondar and Ammanuel Specialized Mental Health Hospital worked together on a ceremony that is paramount to human health. The two institutions have been working together to solve mental health problems in a holistic approach. On the first of October with Masters degrees in mental health occupation, 23 trained professionals were honored to graduate at the venue, Addis Ababa’s Gihon Hotel.
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The University of Gondar is doing a lot to qualify able professionals and to lead them into society. In early July, in all the of the colleges, institutes, faculties and schools, in regular, extension and summer programs over 6500 students have graduated from the University of Gondar. Moreover, on 23 September, 207 medical students in wonderful fashion have also graduated. In addition to this, on 1 October, in partnership with Ammanuel Specialized mental Health Hospital, UoG and its collaborators have commenced a graduation of 23 graduates who are trained in the sciences of mental illness.
Those who were present at the commencement ceremony were, amongst others, the Ministry of Health’s representative, and the occasion’s guest of honor, Dr. Daniel G/ Michael, University of Gondar president Dr. Desalegn Mengesha, Ammanuel Specialized Mental Health Hospital’s director Mr. Edao Fejo, the hospital and university community and the family of the graduates.
Dr. Desalegn Mengesha, UoG president, addressing the ceremony recognized and congratulated the graduates. Subsequently, he spoke collectively about mental health. The president reflected by saying, “According to the W.H.O (World Health Organization) in the world 1 in every 4 individuals are susceptible to mental illness.” He continued, “Now a days, research says in the world around 450 million people are mentally ill. Over one million people each year commit suicide because of their illness. This alone is a testament to the severity of the problem.”
The president of the university also spoke of recent steps being taken by the government to solve this problem. “The Ethiopian Government is developing a strategic strategy,” he said. “To implement this strategy the country needs able professional to do what know other doctor can do and that is to help lives of those mentally ill people. Working to fill the gab with professional people who have the qualities to tackle the dyer needs of mental illness Universities across the country are doing their fair share to bring change; the least of the higher institutions not being the University of Gondar,” said Dr. Desalegn.
Furthermore, at all times, UoG has its sights set on practical based learning, research and community service and graduating able citizens to solves mental illness. This is why the University of Gondar is becoming a center of excellence in this aspect.
Ammanual specialized hospital director, Edao Fejo in his speech thanked the University of Gondar for their trust and loyalty in working together to solves big issues. “UoG in its partnership with Ammanuel Specialized Mental Health Hospital has been present in this journey with us so that we can sustain the work that is being done. UoG’s contribution is priceless.” He said.
Later in the commencement, the Ministry of Health’s representative Mr. Daniel G/ Michael spoke to the graduates about the work they must to do in the future. He stated, “You have successfully completed the first chapter of your journey. With the knowledge and skills you have acquired be people of change and be community leaders.”
The collaboration between the two institutions is now ready to strengthen and the preparations are set. The hospital and UoG are ready to work together for the long term to make a difference.
This year 23 students have graduated from the hospital. Previously 164 students graduated. This brings the total to 187 students who graduated from this technical based school. And the numbers are only going to rise.
In the future this partnership and collaboration will be vital to the health of those citizens who are often rejected and forgotten. Therefore, making a positive impact in the lives of these disabled individuals is a high priority of the University of Gondar and the first ranked institution in the country will do its best to relieve any burden that is weighing on the people.
By Demissie Desta Public and International Relations Directorate
Translated by Samuel Malede
