University of Gondar and Queen’s University Launch 10-Year Project Showcase

The University of Gondar and Queen’s University, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, have launched a two-day project showcase in Addis Ababa to mark a decade of impactful collaboration.

The event brought together distinguished guests, including Canadian Ambassador Nicolas Simard, Mastercard Foundation Ethiopia Programs Director Mrs. Mefthe Tadesse, University of Gondar President, Dr. Asrat Atsedeweyn, current and former university leaders, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program staff, scholars, Queen’s University fellows, as well as stakeholders and invited guests.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Asrat Atsedeweyn emphasized that sustained support from the Mastercard Foundation, combined with the strong partnership with Queen’s University, has positioned the University of Gondar as a leading institution for students with disabilities. He noted that the collaboration has strengthened the University’s international engagement, enhanced research and rehabilitation science, and contributed to building a more inclusive and equitable higher education system in Ethiopia. He further described the partnership as a model of international cooperation grounded in shared learning, mutual trust, and a shared vision for community transformation.

Speaking on behalf of the Mastercard Foundation, Mrs. Mefthe Tadesse highlighted that disability inclusion remains central to the Foundation’s work in expanding opportunities for all young people, including women, refugees, and persons with disabilities. She stated that the partnership between the University of Gondar and Queen’s University has laid the foundation for the University of Gondar to emerge as a national center of excellence in disability inclusion and rehabilitation science, while also serving as a model for inclusive higher education across Africa. She also commended the resilience and commitment demonstrated by the partners in sustaining the initiative despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and regional instability.

Ambassador Nicolas Simard, on his part, reaffirmed the strong partnership between Canada and Ethiopia, citing the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program as a key area of collaboration among the University of Gondar, Queen’s University, and the Mastercard Foundation in advancing inclusive and accessible education that contributes to Ethiopia’s socio-economic development. He further noted that the collaboration has laid a lasting foundation for inclusive healthcare and acknowledged the Program’s far-reaching impact in transforming lives, strengthening inclusive higher education, and advancing rehabilitation services in Ethiopia. The Ambassador also pledged to continue supporting the partnership and building on the commitment demonstrated by his predecessors in advancing the shared vision of inclusion, equity, and educational cooperation between the two countries.

Speaking on the achievements of the partnership, Stéphanie Nixon, Vice Dean of Health Sciences and Director of the School of Rehabilitation Therapy at Queen’s University, noted that nearly 300 scholars with disabilities have graduated through the Program, while 60 faculty members have benefited from advanced international training opportunities.

Prof. Heather Aldersey and Dr. Molalign Belay, Co-Directors of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Queen’s University and the University of Gondar respectively, also highlighted the major milestones achieved over the past decade. They noted that the Program has provided comprehensive support to 450 disadvantaged young people, established Ethiopia’s first Occupational Therapy Program, strengthened institutional capacity, expanded community-based rehabilitation, and generated research that informs inclusive policy and effective implementation. They added that the partnership has evolved into a powerful platform for change that extends far beyond education and described the showcase as an important opportunity to reflect on achievements, demonstrate impact, share evidence, and inspire future collaboration.

As the showcase continues, participants are looking ahead to meaningful sessions aimed at expanding the Program’s reach and further advancing disability inclusion across the region.