Jigjiga University Internship Rollout Student’s Report
Jigjiga University recently hosted F.A.I.T.H Internship Workshop, with the event being led by Jigjiga University APDPD Ahmed Arab (Assi.Professor). During his opening speech, he congratulated the students for their dedication and hard work in completing their internships. He praised their efforts and acknowledged the significant role they played in the implementation of the F.A.I.T.H project, which support the development of innovative internship toolbox and designs to be implemented across 15 Applied Science Universities in Ethiopia. In his remarks, he also expressed gratitude to the mentors for their commitment to guiding the students throughout the internship process.
Following the opening speech, the workshop transitioned to student presentations. A total of five colleges and ten departments participated in the program, with four students selected from each department to take part in internships. These students were placed in various industries for a one-month period, where they gained hands-on experience and made meaningful contributions to their respective fields.
As part of the workshop, the students shared their experiences and insights gained during their internships. They presented their achievements and the challenges they faced throughout the internship period. Both students and mentors shared valuable reflections on the lessons learned, providing a comprehensive overview of the opportunities and difficulties encountered during the internship. The event was a significant step forward in enhancing the collaboration between academia and industry, as well as in fostering the growth of the next generation of professionals in the applied sciences.
Ministry of Education EthiopiaJigjiga UniversityKotebe University of EducationWolaita Sodo UniversityEphrem TekleZufan GebrehiwetHawi Teshome OliKedir Mecca Fekadu Yehuwalashet
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Internship
Toolbox a
Implementing high quality internships as part of practically-oriented, application-based degree programs
Internships serve as a vital bridge between academic knowledge and professional practice, providing students with practical experience that enhances their skills, employability, and understanding of real-world work environments. This toolbox is designed to offer comprehensive guidance on implementing high-quality internships within practically-oriented, application-based degree programs in Ethiopian Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS).
In this Toolbox, you will find an introduction about internships, structured insights into the essential requirements of internships, detailing the key elements of internships which programmes the Universities of Applied Sciences should include. Challenges of internships explores common obstacles faced by institutions, employers, and students.
For UAS looking to introduce and/or optimise their internship programs, the “Do and Don’t” list for successful implementation provides clear, actionable guidelines to ensure internships are both effective and beneficial for all stakeholders. Additionally, suggestions for effective implementation, which is partially based on the lessons learnt during the pilot implementation, offer best practices and strategies to enhance the quality of internships within degree programs.
Lastly, the toolbox includes supporting documents which serve as practical resources, such as templates, checklists, and example agreements, to facilitate the smooth execution of internship programs. [Read More]
Strategy, Plan, and Policy Development Training 1/1/2025 Jigjiga Univesity, Ethiopia
On January 1, 2025, Jigjiga University F.A.I.T.H. Project Tandem Team for Industry Partnership and Regional Development organized a comprehensive training program on “Strategy, Plan, and Policy Development” for the University’s Industry Linkage Steering Committee. The program featured expert participants, both from within the university—selected from various colleges—and external professionals from institutions such as banks and Ethiopian Electric Utility Jigjiga Branch. This collaborative effort aimed to strengthen the university’s industry connections and enhance regional development initiatives.
The program commenced with an opening remark from Dr. Beshir Abdulahi, President of Jigjiga University. In his speech, he emphasized that robust partnerships between universities and industries are key drivers of regional and national economic development. These collaborations foster practical knowledge creation and address real-world challenges. Furthermore, Dr. Beshir highlighted Jigjiga University’s active role in implementing TANDEM projects, aimed at making Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) in Ethiopia more impactful to the community.
Mrs. Zufan Gebrehiwet, Lear of F.A.I.T.H. Project at Jigjiga University, delivered an insightful presentation providing an overview and outlining the objectives of the project for all participants. During her presentation, she highlighted the core goals of the F.A.I.T.H. Project, emphasizing its strategic focus on enhancing industry-university partnerships and driving regional development through collaborative efforts. In addition, Mr. Zufan shared a detailed update on the progress of the project to date, showcasing the significant milestones achieved thus far and the ongoing initiatives aimed at fostering practical solutions and advancing the university’s applied sciences efforts. The program proceeded under the moderation of Dr. Fekadu Yehuwalashet, Senior Expert of the Project, who guided the schedule through its various stages.
The training session was led by Mr. Ashenafi Daba, a recognized expert in the field, who delivered an in-depth and engaging presentation on a wide range of topics. He provided participants with valuable insights into the formulation of goals and plans, highlighting the different levels and benefits associated with them. Mr. Ashenafi also explored the various characteristics and types of plans, emphasizing the importance of contingency planning in an ever-changing environment. Additionally, he addressed key national policies and strategies related to industry partnerships, including an overview of Proclamation No. 1298/2023 and other relevant national strategies. His expert guidance equipped participants with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of planning and policy development in the context of industry-university collaboration.
The training was followed by a discussion, facilitated by TANDEM experts Ahmed Abdi Muse and Eyob Derese Tesema. During the session, participants shared their perspectives on the challenges and potential solutions for fostering stronger collaboration between educational institutions and industries. The discussion provided a platform for exchanging ideas and insights, paving the way for a more collaborative and impactful approach to industry-university relationships.
The session concluded with a closing message from Mrs. Meka Kedir, Senior Expert of the Project, who emphasized the importance of such events in strengthening the relationship between universities and industries. Mrs. Meka also announced that similar events would be organized in the near future, reinforcing the commitment to continued collaboration and knowledge-sharing between educational institutions and industry leaders.
Ministry of Education EthiopiaKotebe University of EducationJigjiga UniversityWolaita Sodo University
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16You, Fekadu Yehuwalashet, Ephrem Tekle and 13 others
Kotebe University of Education F.A.I.T.H Project Tandem Team on Action. December 25/2024, Addis Ababa Ethiopia
The Kotebe University of Education F.A.I.T.H project internship crew, under the leadership of TANDEM Internship, received an enthusiastic welcome from the Salash School community in Addis Ababa. December 25/ 2024.
During their visit, experts conducted thorough school observations and evaluated the collaborative efforts of interns, school mentors, and campus advisors. This initiation aims to rollout the toolboxes of F.A.I.T.H project and provide valuable hands-on experience for aspiring educators.
The highlight of the visit was the students’ excitement as they donned their “Gowon” attire, a symbol of their journey towards becoming esteemed members of the teaching profession. This attire not only signifies their commitment to education but also their candidacy for the prestigious Teaching Carrier. The positive reception and the collaborative spirit observed at Salash School underscore the importance of such internships in fostering a supportive and innovative educational environment.
Sustainable Development Goals Awarness Campaign Workshop, Wolaita Sodo University, December 23/2024
Wolaita Sodo University (WSU) hosted a Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Awareness Campaign under the Tandem F initiative. The workshop, titled “Integrating the SDGs into Teaching, Research, and University Governance Systems,” sought to build foundational knowledge of the SDGs and explore strategies for embedding them into the university’s core functions. The campaign aimed to achieve to establish a foundational understanding of SDGs, sharing global best practices, exploring effective integration strategies, and developing actionable plans to embed SDGs into WSU’s operations.
The workshop focused on four key topics:
- Conceptualizing SDGs and Global Trends in University Contexts: An overview of the SDGs and their relevance to higher education.
- Global Universities’ Trends in SDG Implementation: Best practices from leading universities globally.
- Integrating SDGs into Key University Operations: Practical approaches to embedding SDGs into teaching, research, Community Service and Technology Transfer (CSTT), and governance.
- Strategies for SDG Integration in Universities: Developing actionable plans to align university operations with the SDGs.
The event commenced with a welcome speech by Ms. Adanech Teshome, F.A.I.T.H. Project Work Package Six (WP6) Coordinator presented an overview of the project’s goals and its significance for Ethiopian Universities of Applied Sciences.
In addition, Dr. Guchie Gulie, the President of WSU, delivered the opening remarks and emphasized the importance of aligning WSU’s core operations with the SDGs to support its transition into a full-fledged Applied Sciences University. Dr. Guchie highlighted the workshop’s role in improving curricula, enhancing research quality, and refining governance systems to boost the university’s contributions to regional and national development.
Dr. Demissie Dalelo, a Tandem F-SDGs expert, presented an overview of the project’s 18-month journey. He detailed achievements, including the development of toolboxes, validation workshops, pilot testing, and lessons learned. Dr. Demissie highlighted the workshop as a pivotal step in rolling out the initiative.
The workshop featured interactive presentations, activity-based sessions, and group discussions, offering participants an opportunity to engage with the topics and develop strategies for SDG integration. Key university stakeholders participated, including top management, directors, deans, associate deans, senior staff, and experts from the F.A.I.T.H. project.
The closing remarks were delivered by Dr. Zewudineh Tomas, Vice President for Research and Community Engagement. He stressed the need for WSU to align its teaching, research, and governance systems with the principles of Applied Sciences Universities. Dr. Zewudineh expressed gratitude to the project donors (European Union), Ministry of Education (MoE), and the organizers for their efforts in supporting this transformative initiative.
Students’ and Mentors’ Internship awareness Based Workshop, December 19/2024, Jigjiga University
The Jigjiga University Internship Tandem Team (Tandem A) held a students’ and mentors’ internship awareness-based workshop on December 19/2024.
The workshop was officially opened by the Jigjiga University APDPD Ahmed Arab (Assi.Professor). During his opening speech, he announced that F.A.I.T.H project has been working to make sure the transformation process of the EUASs. He additionally stated that each tandem character rollout helps the implementation of the toolbox designs through out the 15 Applied Science Universities. He notified the internees and their respective mentors to bring authentic internship output as an input data for the next Ethiopian Ministry of Education’s work package to be disseminated in the rest Ethiopian Universities of Applied Sciences.
Zufan Gebrehiwet(Assi.professor), LEAR of WP8 of JJU_F.A.I.T.H presented the overview of the project for the attendees of the workshop; various crucial discussion points have been raised by students and the mentors on how generally is F.A.I.T.H project contributing to EUASs currently. On top of that, the participants made discussions how the internship rollout smoothly moves forward from the perspectives of students’ class assignments, mentors’ University instruction burdens, and Hosting company’s flexibility to entertain productive internship rollout. The tandem experts have been going through explaining the benefits of this internship that the participants confirmed the clarity on.
The Tandem A members Binyam Hailu and Dawit Gezahegn introduced the piloted toolboxes, provided internship rollout activities’ instructions, and the entire action plan of the internship rollout to the participants while making their awareness creation presentation. At last, the LEAR of the WP8 officially closed the workshop giving thanks and promoting the F.A.I.T.H project Social media links and website to the participants.
Tandem C, Awareness Creation Workshop on Demand Driven Applied Research and Technology Transfer Dec 5/2024
Jigjiga University Tandem C (Applied Research) organized awareness creation and consultation workshop focusing on demand driven research and Technology/Knowledge transfer on Dec 5/2024. The workshop’s specific theme was revising the university’s Research, Publication, and Technology Transfer Policies and Guidelines. The event was attended by university leadership, college-level research and technology transfer coordinators, Jigjiga University-F.A.I.T.H project core team, as well as experts from various sessions of the University.
The program commenced with an opening remark by Dr. Shermake Jama, Director of the Research and Technology Transfer Directorate. He emphasized the importance of such workshops for the university community to raise awareness and gather inputs that would inform the revision of the university’s policies and guidelines. Dr. Shermake also expressed his gratitude to the F.A.I.T.H project for spearheading the initiative, aligning with the office’s plans for policy revision. He highlighted the office’s strong support for the implementation of the Tandem Pilot Project.
Mrs. Zufan Gebrehiwot, Lear of the F.A.I.T.H Project Work Package 8 (WP8), presented an overview of the project focusing on the main objectives and achievements of the project to date.
Mr. Abdi Abdilahi, the coordinator of the Tandem C, presented on the activities, tasks performed, lessons learned, and next steps of the pilot project and the JJU research Gudiline and Policy review results. The workshop also featured group discussions during which participants shared their insights. These discussions were moderated by Kownin Abdimahad, a member of the Tandem C team. Participants provided valuable input on revising the university’s research and technology transfer policies and guidelines to ensure it will be beneficial and relevant to the community.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Maslah Issa, Director of the President’s Office. He underscored the importance of the Tandem Pilot Projects being rolled out at Jigjiga University, noting that they serve as a model for the 15 applied science universities across the country. Mr. Maslah reaffirmed Jigjiga University’s full commitment to the successful implementation of the Tandem Projects and their objectives. On behalf of the university’s leadership, he thanked the organizers of the workshop, especially the Tandem C team, the Jigjiga University-F.A.I.T.H project core team, the European Union (EU) and other partner stakeholders for their support for the project effectiveness.
Partner and Student/s Relationship in Implementing High Quality Internship Workshop, Dec 02/ 2024
Tandem Internship Training Session was successfully Conducted at Kotebe University of Education
Dec 3, 2024, Kotebe, Addis Ababa
Kotebe University of Education hosted a comprehensive training session for school mentors, university internship advisors, and participating intern students as part of the rollout activities under Project F.A.I.T.H, Work Package 4. This initiation marks a significant step in the project’s commitment to enhance the quality of internship programs through collaborative engagement in Ethiopian Universities of Applied Science.
During the session, the Project Coordinator, Dr. Eprem T., and his team delivered a key message outlining the rationale behind Project F.A.I.T.H, the progress achieved to date and the expectations from stakeholders to ensure the successful rollout of internship toolboxes. His speech emphasized the importance of collaboration and active participation in achieving project goals.
Tandem experts Dr. Bekele W. and Mrs. Mignot shared insights into the structure and purpose of the internship toolbox, highlighting valuable lessons learned during the mini-pilot implementation phase. Their presentation shed light on practical approaches and strategies to optimize the internship experience for all participants.
Additionally, Mr. Hawarya, the Practicum Coordinator at Kotebe University of Education, provided a detailed overview of internship procedures, ethical principles, and the critical need for cooperation and coordination among all stakeholders involved in the program.
The event was concluded with a vibrant discussion and idea exchange, where partners reaffirmed their commitment to play their respective roles in ensuring the success of the internship rollout. This collaborative effort reflects a shared dedication to enhance the educational and professional outcomes of internship programs under Project F.A.I.T.H
F.A.I.T.H-Pilot Project Lessons Learnt Dissemination
Project F.A.I.T.H successfully Disseminates Lessons Learned from Tandem Projects
November 20, 2024, Samara, Afar
Project F.A.I.T.H has reached a significant milestone by successfully sharing valuable insights from its tandem projects during an event held at Samara University on November 20, 2024, in Samara, Afar. This gathering served as a partners meeting for the EU-funded EtD-FaM maker space project, bringing together key stakeholders from various institutions.
The event featured a strong representation from Project F.A.I.T.H with core team members from Kotebe University of Education and Jigjiga University actively participating. Dr. Eprem Tekle, the F.A.I.T.H Project coordinator from Kotebe University of Education, delivered a presentation titled “Establishing Universities of Applied Sciences in Ethiopia: Lessons from F.A.I.T.H Project Tandem Projects.”
In his presentation, Dr. Eprem outlined the project’s evolution, highlighting its journey from inception to its current state. He explained the process of documenting best practices and contextualizing them within the Ethiopian landscape through collaboration with European experts. He elaborated on the design and implementation of tandem projects, which played a crucial role in testing the feasibility of various toolboxes developed throughout the initiative. He shared specific lessons learned from each tandem project, demonstrating how Ethiopian universities of applied sciences can effectively collaborate with industry stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.
The event also provided a platform for stakeholders from Italy, Djibouti, and Germany to engage in discussions about future collaborations. This international dialogue not only set the stage for ongoing partnerships but also offered Project FAITH an opportunity to expand its reach and impact on a global scale. As Project FAITH continues to pave the way for the advancement of universities of applied sciences in Ethiopia, the insights gained from this event will undoubtedly contribute to the establishment of robust applied sciences programs that meet the needs of both students and the industry.
