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The FAITH Project Ethiopia successfully conducted the 4th and final round co-creating Universities of Applied Sciences model using the project toolbox, at Jigjiga University from July 29-August 01, 2026. The training was delivered through the toolboxes collaboratively developed by Ethio-European FAITH Project tandem experts. Dr. Seid Mohamed, Jigjiga University president, and FAITH project Dissemination legal signatory officially opened the program; in his opening remarks, he highlighted that Applied Sciences Universities are meant to produce practice based human power that fit the labor market. After his warm welcoming of guests, the FAITH project members, the trainers, and training participants, he notified the participants to intensively attend the training as it is among the most crucial opportunities to shape Applied Science Oriented professors and Industry oriented learners.

The training was facilitated by FAITH Project Ethiopia tandem experts: Dr. Wubalem Girma, Dr. Fekede Tuli, Mignot Getachew, Dr. Oumer Nuru, and Dr Demissie Dalelo. A total of 40 selected participants from the University attended the program, including instructors, academic leaders, and institutional decision makers.

The training focused on six major toolbox areas: Internship, Applied Research, Industry Partnership, SDGs, Par time Lecturer, and Outcome Based Curriculum Development

Participants actively engaged in the sessions through discussions, reflections, and constructive feedback, with strong interest and commitment toward the implementation of the UAS model.

The program was also a grand closing of all the co-creation training conducted throughout the 14 Universities of Applied Sciences in Ethiopia. During that closing, Dr. Ephrem Tekle, project coordinator presented FAITH project status and sustainability, Dr. Eba Mijena, the Ministry of Education Ethiopia CEO, delivered a keynote speech on the vision and mission of the Ethiopian UAS, Dr. Guchi Gulie, Wolayta Sodo University president, presented the contribution of FAITH Project for the UAS Ethiopia transformation, and Adanech Tesheme, WSU_FAITH project LEAR presented quality report of the project. At last, Jigjiga University FAITH project members provided certificate of recognition for both the trainers and trainees.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the core team to assess the achievements and effectiveness of the dissemination efforts, identify challenges and gaps, and discuss strategies to strengthen the visibility and outreach of the project outcomes.

Furthermore, the meeting focused on the next steps and priority dissemination activities, ensuring that the remaining project outputs and achievements are effectively communicated to relevant stakeholders, partners, academic communities, and the wider public.

Review the progress of project dissemination activities carried out so far and discuss the remaining activities planned for the next phase of the project.

CHE, a member institution of the FAITH project, hosted the visiting the members for a full day programme with the discussion focused on higher education development, digitization, applied research, innovation, and transferable approaches in higher education.

The programme provided the FAITH project members with an opportunity to learn about CHE’s work and exchange experiences with German higher education experts.

The programme began with a welcome session led by Caroline Friedhoff, followed by a presentation by Johanna Leifeld on Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence in German Higher Education. The presentation pointed out current developments and approaches to digital transformation and the use of artificial intelligence in the German higher education sector.

Dr. Isabel Roessler and Dr. Nicolas Reum presented Applied Research Projects at CHE, introducing the visitors to CHE’s research activities and practical approaches to addressing challenges in the higher education sector.

An Introduction to CHE was delivered by Prof. Dr. Frank Ziegele, providing an overview of CHE’s role, activities, and contribution to higher education development.

The programme continued with a presentation by Bianca Brinkmann and Dr. Sigrun Nickel on “Dual Study Programmes in Germany: Concepts and Characteristics.” The session introduced the participants to the German dual study model and its links between higher education and practical workplace learning.

The final presentation was delivered by Natalya Sharovatova on HEInnovate: Supporting Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education. The presentation focused on approaches to strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship within higher education institutions.

The visit concluded with a cClosing dDiscussion and nNext Ssteps, led by Caroline Friedhoff. The concluding session provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on the day’s discussions, identify areas of common interest, and outline possible next steps for continued collaboration.

The field visit strengthened the exchange of knowledge and experience between the FAITH project partners and CHE and provided the Ethiopian participants with insights into German approaches to higher education, digitalisationdigitalization, applied research, dual study programmes, and innovation.

Following two days of site visits conducted on 9-10 September 2026 at Saxion University of Applied Sciences and the CHE Institute, Germany.
The General Assembly featured presentations by the Ethiopian delegation, followed by constructive reflections from the European project partners. Dr. Ephrem Tekle, FAITH Project Coordinator, presented the overall progress and current status of the project. Adanech Teshome, LEAR of Wolayta Sodo University, presented the project’s Quality Management Report, while Zufan Gebrehiwet, LEAR of Jigjiga University, delivered the Dissemination Report.
The European partners provided valuable feedback and recommendations on the presentations and the overall progress of the project. Prof. Kai Handel of Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences shared reflections on the project’s foundation, change processes, and sustainability. Caroline Freidhoff of CHE Germany also provided remarks on the project’s status and the development of the Centers for Universities of Applied Sciences (CUAS).
Participants actively engaged in discussions, offering constructive feedback and raising important questions aimed at strengthening project outcomes and ensuring the successful completion of the planned activities.
The meeting concluded with Dr. Ephrem Tekle presenting the project’s to-do list and key action points. The General Assembly was officially closed by Prof. Hans, who emphasized the importance of sustaining the Centers for Universities of Applied Sciences established through the FAITH Project.
The 7th General Assembly reaffirmed the commitment of all partners to ensuring the sustainability and long-term impact of the Centers for Universities of Applied Sciences (CUAS) established through the FAITH Project, thereby advancing applied higher education and strengthening institutional capacity development in Ethiopia.

F.A.I.T.H Project Ethiopia officially launched its site visit at Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Enschede, the Netherlands, on September 9, 2026. The team visited Saxion University of Applied Science’s research and laboratory facilities. The visit was facilitated by Professor Abeje Y. Mersha, who introduced the team to the university’s applied research environment and innovation activities, presented managing a Practice-Oriented Research Group (Smart Mechatronics and Robotics). Professor Abeje Y. Mersha shared practical insights from his extensive work in robotics, innovation, and applied research. IN addition, he presented several of his research investigations and innovative technological developments, demonstrating how applied sciences can address real-world challenges. He provided practical evidence of his research outputs through both live demonstrations and video presentations, giving participants a valuable opportunity to experience the practical impact of his work.

Professor Hans, Leader of Work Package 2, and Professor Berenda facilitated and hosted the programme as well as delivered a presentation on Leadership in Research at Saxion University of Applied Sciences (Saxion UAS). Professor Hans also delivered an important presentation on the research culture and applied science leadership in the Netherlands. He shared Saxion’s experience in building a strong culture of research and innovation and explained how applied research is often driven by the needs and demands of companies and industry. He emphasized the importance of strong research facilities, sustainable financing systems, and close collaboration between universities and the business sector in promoting impactful research and innovation.

The Dean of the School of Life Science, Engineering and Design, Ir. Stephen Maathuis, also delivered a presentation and shared his valuable academic and professional experience, presented Managing Research and Innovation at UAS Faculty. Mr. Sjoerd Welberg, Centre for Entrepreneurship, presented Managing Innovation at a UAS. Prof. Dr. Christian Struck, Professor Sustainable Building Technology, presented Managing Research Infrastructure (Smart Tiny Lab).

The programme provided a platform for the FAITH Project Ethiopia team to exchange experiences, learn from Saxion University of Applied Sciences’ successful applied research ecosystem, and strengthen international collaboration. The discussions and practical demonstrations offered valuable lessons on how research, innovation, industry partnerships, and applied sciences can work together to create meaningful solutions to societal challenges.

The programme concluded with closing remarks from Professor Hans, who summarized the key lessons and achievements of the day and expressed appreciation to all participants, hosts, and contributors for making the event a successful and memorable occasion.

The training equipped participants with essential knowledge and practical skills in project implementation and management, preparing them for the next phase of their initiatives.

This milestone marks an important step toward the successful implementation of 16 outstanding transfer projects selected for funding. We look forward to seeing these projects create meaningful and lasting impact across the Universities of Applied Sciences.

It is worth recalling that Project FAITH previously delivered Toolbox Training to 14 Universities of Applied Sciences, strengthening institutional capacity and fostering innovation. Building on this achievement, the Transfer Project Call was launched to support the implementation and scaling of the developed toolboxes. The training was facilitated by senior expert Dr. Margareth Gfrerer.

The event concluded with remarks by Dr. Ephrem Tekle, Coordinator of Project FAITH, who presented the blueprint for the transfer projects and highlighted their strategic importance for advancing innovation and capacity building within the Universities of Applied Sciences.

Congratulations to all project teams, and best wishes for successful implementation and sustainable impact in the years ahead!