The Ministry of Education (MoE) organized a training session on Community Engagement (CE) reform plan introduction for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from January 2-3, 2025 at its head office. The event aimed to create a platform for stakeholders to discuss shared reform issues, facilitate knowledge exchange, and foster a common understanding among HEIs. The ultimate goal was to enable HEIs to play impactful roles in CE.
The training session commenced with an opening remark by W/ro Selam Alemu, the CE and Indigenous Knowledge(CEIK) desk head at the MoE. The primary objective of the training was to discuss identified shared reform issues, facilitate knowledge exchange, and foster a common understanding among the respective offices.
During the event, six major Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were identified as focal points for HEIs’ CE activities. Experts from relevant offices presented on the six major KPIs. These KPIs are: Digital Literacy about which HEIs are expected to enhance within the community by providing training and resources, workshops, creating online learning platforms, and collaborating with local organizations to ensure community members have access to digital tools and skills; local school support initiatives, including Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) promotions, where HEIs should buttress local schools by promoting STEM education through mentorship programs, organizing science fairs, providing resources and training for teachers, and encouraging students to pursue STEM careers; Road and Transport Safety, where HEIs can contribute to improving road and transport safety by conducting researches, developing safety programs, and collaborating with local authorities to implement effective measures, organizing awareness campaigns, providing training on road safety, and advocating for better infrastructure; Mental Health and Control of Drug and Substance Abuse, where HEIs play significant roles in addressing mental health issues and controlling drug and substance abuse by offering counseling services, conducting awareness programs, and collaborating with healthcare providers to support affected individuals, and engage in researches to develop effective intervention strategies; Illegal Migration and Human Trafficking, where HEIs should work towards preventing illegal migration and human trafficking by raising awareness, conducting researches, and collaborating with law enforcement agencies, organizing workshops, providing legal assistance, and supporting victims through rehabilitation programs, and Gender-Based Violence, where HEIs ought to address the issue of promoting gender equality and providing support to victims through conducting awareness campaigns, offering counseling services, and collaborating with local organizations to implement preventive measures, and engaging in researches to understand the root causes and develop appropriate panaceas.
The presentations were followed by group discussions to overcome potential snags. The outcomes of these discussions were shared, and general comments and reflections were provided. Dr. Serawit Handeso PhD,CEO at MoE, delivered the closing remarks, summarizing the key points discussed and emphasizing the importance of CE and University Social Responsibility (USR) in addressing societal concerns. The two-day training was concluded with a commitment to implement the discussed reform agenda effectively.
By focusing on these six KPIs, HEIs can play significant roles in addressing social issues and fostering community development. Through collaboration, research, and active engagement, HEIs can contribute to creating a more informed, safe, and equitable society.
St Mary’s University was delegated by its International Relations and Communication Office.
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