Haramaya University Empowers Educators with Comprehensive Capacity-Building Training
A collaborative capacity-building training program, spearheaded by Haramaya University in partnership with the Harari Regional Education Bureau, has demonstrated significant positive outcomes in enhancing the quality of science and mathematics education within the region.
This initiative, part of the university’s ongoing efforts to enhance educational quality, has demonstrated significant progress over the past six years.
Deputy Head of Harari Region Education Boreau, Zekeria Abdulaziz explained that the program, focused on closing educational gaps and addressing challenges in the region, has included three consecutive years of intensive capacity-building efforts.
Dr. Sileshi Demie, Dean of the College of Natural and Computational Sciences at Haramaya University emphasized the university’s commitment to supporting the education sector, fostering collaboration with stakeholders, and actively participating in community development. “Our vision is to empower teachers with the necessary skills to improve the teaching and learning process sustainably,” he stated.
Kemal Abdulbasit, a PhD candidate at Haramaya University and Director of Curriculum Development and Implementation at the Regional Education Bureau, highlighted the program’s potential to strengthen research and development, particularly through the preparation and implementation of a comprehensive curriculum. He noted that the training is expected to significantly enhance the capabilities of secondary school mathematics and science teachers.
In its latest effort, the university organized a three-day training event in partnership with the Harari Regional State Education Bureau, the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, and the Office of the Vice President for Research and Community Engagement. The program brought together 78 teachers from 10 secondary schools in the Harari People Regional State, equipping them with innovative tools and strategies to improve classroom instruction and student engagement.
Teachers learned to design student-centered lesson plans and integrate action research to identify and address classroom challenges effectively, and participants gained hands-on experience in conducting laboratory experiments and preparing customized lab manuals. The training emphasized good laboratory practices and the use of locally available materials to create cost-effective, practical science experiments.
Participants expressed enthusiasm for applying their newly acquired skills. Naeil Ahmed, chemistry teacher and deputy principal of Harar Aboker Secondary School, along with biology teachers Eyerusalem H/Michael and Najib Jamal, emphasized the transformative impact of the practical training. “This program has addressed our professional gaps and empowered us to deliver a more effective, hands-on science education,” they noted.
Haramaya University plans to expand the program, incorporating STEM innovation and reaching a broader audience of educators. Future engagements include interactive workshops and expert presentations led by faculty from Haramaya University and the Harari Regional State Education Bureau. These sessions will focus on STEM education trends, technology integration in the classroom, and advanced student assessment techniques, fostering collaboration and the sharing of best practices.
The university’s commitment to community engagement and technology transfer was also highlighted by the trainees, who expressed gratitude for the program’s positive impact.
The initiative represents Haramaya University’s broader commitment to its vision and objectives, aiming to strengthen its relationship with the local community and ensure high-quality teaching and learning processes. The success of the training underscores the university’s pivotal role in advancing education in the region.
By: – Shemsedin Mohammed
Photographers: – Tewodros Lishan & Asegid Sileshi
Haramaya University Public and International Relations Directorate