Haramaya University Delegation Participates in UNIPV Experience Week via UNITAFRICA Project
A delegation from Haramaya University, led by Dr. Jemal Yousuf Hassen (President) and Dr. Muluken G. Wordofa (UNITAFRICA Project Coordinator), participated in the University of Pavia’s Experience Week from December 13 to 17, 2025.
As part of the UNITAFRICA project, the event immersed participants in UNIPV’s academic, cultural, and institutional identity, thereby strengthening ties between African and Italian universities, promoting mutual learning, and fostering sustainable partnerships.
The program featured seminars, institutional meetings, cultural visits, and discussions on university-territory engagement, showcasing UNIPV’s integrated approach to teaching, research, community involvement, and student services. It kicked off with “Building Academic Bridges,” a session with Ethiopian students at UNIPV that emphasized student-centered cooperation and the benefits of international mobility. Dr. Jemal and Dr. Muluken shared insights on how such programs enhance skills, broaden horizons, and empower students to contribute to their institutions and communities. A guided tour of Pavia, supported by Ethiopian students and UNIPV staff, further enriched cultural exchanges and highlighted the role of local history in forging academic partnerships.
On December 15, a seminar titled “Empowering Women Farmers: Lessons from Ethiopia and South Sudan” took place at Almo Collegio Borromeo. The dialogue on gender, agriculture, and rural development included remarks from Carola Ricci (University of Pavia), Marco Missaglia (Master’s in Cooperation and Development), and Laura Pacifici Noia (Italian Embassy in Addis Ababa), who emphasized the role of higher education in development cooperation. Dr. Muluken G. Wordofa (Haramaya University) and Prof. Maria Sassi (University of Pavia) delivered academic presentations, moderated by Dr. Jemal Yousuf. Students from the Master’s Program in Cooperation and Development participated actively, underscoring the need to engage future practitioners. The delegation also met the Rector of Almo Collegio Borromeo to discuss universities as bridges for global collaboration.
The following day, December 16, a strategic meeting on “University and Territory” explored higher education’s links to regional development. Moderated by Prof. Maria Sassi, it brought together Prof. Matteo Alvaro (UNIPV Pro-Rector for International Affairs), Eng. Francesco Bergamasco (Confagricoltura Pavia Board member), and Prof. Gian Battista Parigi (SISTERR President). Participants identified key collaboration areas and emphasized partnerships delivering tangible community impact.
The week concluded with a visit to UNIPV Rector Prof. Alessandro Reali, reaffirming shared commitments to higher education as a driver of social development. Attendees included Vice-Rector Prof. Matteo Alvaro, Rector’s Delegate for Africa Prof. Carola Ricci, SISTERR President Prof. Gian Battista Parigi, and UOC Mobility Office staff Michela Cobelli and Marco Oliva. This exchange advances UNITAFRICA’s mission of continental collaboration through knowledge and innovation.
Haramaya University Public & International Relations Directorate
Tags: academic collaboration, academic visit, Ethiopia education, Haramaya University, higher education, institutional partnership, university delegation, university engagement