Nurture Project Conducted a two-day Life Skills Training for Students with Disabilities
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.
The event began with an introduction about the Nurture Project by Mr. Daniel Tadesse, the project’s coordinator. The project is implemented in partnership with five universities in Ethiopia and two universities and one research institute in Norway. According to Mr. Daniel, supporting graduates in their entrepreneurial endeavors, conducting research and providing long- and short- term training are among its efforts.
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.
In his opening speech, Dr. Asrat Atsedeweyn, President of the University of Gondar, highlighted that the university has been recognized multiple times by various institutions for its success in quality education and inclusive education. He also mentioned that the university has learned valuable lessons from ongoing projects such as CBR, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and Nurture Project. 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.
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 lived experiences. The trainees expressed their appreciation for the organizers and trainer and reflected that the training has added to their existing personal, academic and social skills.
