The F.A.I.T.H Project held a Toolbox Review Workshop,

The F.A.I.T.H Project held a Toolbox Review Workshop, aimed at improving the capabilities of Ethiopian Universities of Applied Science January 26, 2024, Addis Ababa – With representatives from partnering institutions and experts in attendance, the toolbox review workshop for Work Package 3 of the F.A.I.T.H project (Ethiopian Universities of Applied Sciences being F(it), A(djusted), I(nnovative), T(rendy), and H(olistic) to meet Industries and the Labor Market) kicked off on January 25, 2024 at Kotebe University of Education.

The event was inaugurated by the Honorable Dr. Birhane Meskel Tena, President of Kotebe University, who emphasized the necessity of partnership and cooperation in advancing higher education initiatives in his key note speech. In his opening remarks, Dr. Ephrem Teklle, coordinator of the F.A.I.T.H project, set the stage for the workshop highlighting the primary objective of the event.

The project coordinator claimed the objective of the workshop as to scrutinize the draft tandem toolboxes crafted by experts from Saxion University of Applied Science, Osnabruck University of Applied Science, Jigjiga University, Kotebe University of Education, and Wolaita Sodo University for Work Package 3.

Afterwards, Carolin Friedhoff introduced the all-encompassing concept of the toolboxes through a Zoom presentation. This was followed by Dr. ir Abje Y. from Saxion University of Applied Sciences, who shared insights on “Working in UAS in Europe” via Zoom. The session was followed with a lively discussion and exchange of ideas.

During the workshop, the Tandem experts, organized into teams, presented their collaborative efforts on six key tandem topics: Industry partnership + regional development, Internship, Sustainable Development, Career Path, Part-time, and Applied Research for Ethiopian UAS. The insightful discussions were backed by reviewers from Applied Science Universities and diverse professional backgrounds, including industries and professional fields. Their constructive feedback aimed to refine and contextualize the toolbox, ensuring its applicability and effectiveness within Ethiopian Universities of Applied Science (UASs).

On the second day of the event, January 26, 2024, under the moderation of Dr. Fekede Tuli, Accadamic Vice President of KUE and a project management team member, alongside Dr. Ephrem Tekle, the Coordinator of the F.A.I.T.H project, the review feedbacks were consolidated. The session delved into plotting the way forward for the project’s implementation.

Notably, Dr. Eba Mejena, the Executive Officer of Higher Education at the Ministry of Education, offered valuable insights and guidance, further emphasizing the collaborative trajectory of the F.A.I.T.H project in shaping the future of higher education in Ethiopia.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Birhanemeskel Tena, President of KUE, expressed gratitude to all participants for their significant contributions, with a special acknowledgment to our partners from Germany for traveling thousands of miles to be part of this event in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.