Haramaya University in collaboration with USAID launched student-centered peace building project on March 3, 2022, holding consultative forum with religious leaders, Aba Gedas, Community’s Elders, members of the Bate Kebele administration, student union leaders, members of the Student Services and Campus Protection and Security Directorate, and senior officials of the University.
Speaking at the opening of the forum, Vice President of Academic Affairs of the University Prof. Mengistu Urge, said that the University can accomplish its mission (teaching and learning to enable young people to be fully developed through scientific knowledge, skills, and attitudes) if and only if there exists peace in the University. Therefore, the project launched aims at enhancing the role of the students’ unions and other related organizations in maintaining peace and will be of great importance in promoting peace in the Universities, according to Prof. Mengistu.
In the same fashion, clarifying purpose of the project, its plans and activities, and the nature and importance of peace; Vice President for Administration and Student Affairs Prof. Jaylan Wolyie, said that the main purpose of the project is to enable University students to resolve disputes peacefully and professionally. Prof. Jaylan Wolyie, who is also a peace expert, added that in order to maintain peace and wellbeing; it is necessary to look at it from different angles and work in collaboration with the concerned parties ,especially the youths (students the case in point).
Mr. Andinet Adenew, A member of the project team and lecturer in law department, in his part, said the project was designed to enable students to solve problems in campus and play a positive role by strengthening student organizations through training and materials.
In addition to Haramaya University, the project will be implemented in Jijiga and Dire Dawa Universities, Mr. Andinet.
By: Aweke Ayalneh
Camera: Fuad Ahmed