UOG Hosts the 27th Annual Community Service & Technology Transfer Conference
The University of Gondar hosted the 27th annual community service and technology transfer conference. The 2-day event from June 9-10 in Science Amba’s auditorium exhibited UOG’s finest achievements in community service and innovative technology.
It was prevalent from the conference that modernization through constant problem solving methods is key for future growth. Allied with this thought, the University of Gondar is engaged in all fronts to advance inclusive national development. Presentations from various intellectuals from the University were brought forward demonstrating some insightful agendas in technology and community service.
Professor Mersha Chanie, Research and Community Service Vice President, expressed his belief in enhancing the capacity of the work already being done. When welcoming the guests, the Research and Community Service Vice President assured the audience that the University of Gondar is keeping with tradition to assist in the lives of all people. The community service work of the University of Gondar “stretches back decades” he said, “and the future will be no different.” In an optimistic tone Professor Mersha expressed the need to “promote and encourage” the work being done so that even more could be accomplished.
Following the Community Service Vice President, when opening the annual conference, Dr. Desalegn Mengesha the President of UOG reflected on the University’s community service achievements. From 1947 until now the University of Gondar has been an adamant provider of community service, teaching learning and research. Pertaining to job opportunities, Dr. Desalegn stated that UOG has increased its scope. By granting 10 enterprises the chance to be assisted UOG is a reliable partner to ordinary people. 1 million birr has been allocated to these projects illustrating the commitment of Ethiopia’s top ranked University.
Amongst the community service work being done Dr. Desalegn reflected on a couple. For instance, assisting in the Kedamay Gebya (Areda area) fire attacks, donating 16 million birr to develop and modernize Gondar’s drinking water, offering scholarships and creating job opportunities for the youth are but a few of the generous acts being implemented.
Following the President of the University, the Governor of Gondar Mr. Tekeba Tebabal took to the stage as the keynote speaker. He thanked the University for their tireless work. “The University of Gondar is keeping its word and is accomplishing what the Ministry of Education has expected from it,” he said. He continued by saying, “what the University is doing in community service speaks volumes and the institution is playing its part in the community without a doubt.”
Ethiopia’s top-flight institution is collaborating with the administration of Gondar. UOG is assisting in ways that can be felt on the ground and in the community. It has helped in addressing issues relating to water, sports, medicine and jobs.
The director of Community Service Mr. Hone Mandefro and the director of Technology Transfer Mr. Solomon Mesfin presented in an articulate manner the University’s ambition to cater to societal problems. Some of the issues that these two men brought to the forefront were instrumental to the livelihood of regular people in and around Gondar.
Community Service director Mr. Hone Mandefro spoke to the outstanding efforts and fortitude of UOG. Some of the work the University of Gondar is engaged in for instance shows that it is donating computers to students, helping the sciences by donating scientific material to schools, giving corruption training to prevent crimes from being committed and even helping to establish a library by donating funds to a Kola Duba recipient. Among the countless deeds being done he expressed the appreciation of the parties who were beneficiaries.
Many who attended wished to see this progress continue. By helping out the community through impactful implementation UOG is on a good trajectory.
Through various technological advancements Mr. Solomon Mesfin, the Technology Transfer director, believes Ethiopia will develop. “The University of Gondar” he said “is creating solar paneled vehicles, restoring the great lakes by creating devices to trap the water hyacinth ‘emboch’ (plant like material endangering Lake Tana), preserving historic/ biblical books and even trying to increase the barley production in Debark by modern means.” All the technology shows the testament of the individuals and the drive of intellectuals.
Contributions to the sustainable socioeconomic development of Ethiopia are well on its way. It is evident from the conference, which was held on June 9th and 10th, that the country is producing vibrant, compassionate and responsible citizens that will tackle our societal needs. UOG’s vision to become the leading societal problem solving university in the country by 2020 is well in reach. Annual conferences such as this one will only increase the university’s determination to conquer its goals and impact the community in a positive way.
By Samuel Malede| Public and International Relations Directorate
