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Community Engagement and Social Responsibility

Explore the transformative power of public diplomacy through two vibrant exchanges with Ambassador Al Busyra Basnur. From his visit to Harambee University to the launch of "Ethiopian Do What to Do Ambassador," discover how these events fostered understanding and unity across cultural divides.

Bridging the Gap: Harambee University's Commitment to Community

Harambee University, guided by its motto "Transforming Lives Through Quality Education," recognizes the vital role of higher education in serving the broader community and contributing to national development. This commitment finds its roots in both the Ethiopian Higher Education Proclamation and the Education Sector Development Programme, both of which emphasize community engagement and responsiveness to societal needs. While a national framework for research and community engagement is yet to be fully established, Harambee has proactively taken up the mantle. We understand that research and education lose their true impact if they remain confined within the walls of academia. By actively engaging with local communities, we aim to ensure that our knowledge and resources translate into tangible solutions for real-world challenges. Our community service initiatives are testaments to this commitment. We've made significant strides in supporting disadvantaged groups, particularly youths seeking access to quality tertiary education. Through initiatives like providing free tuition fees, we empower the next generation to break the cycle of poverty and contribute meaningfully to society. However, our service extends beyond financial assistance. We actively collaborate with local communities on various projects, ranging from promoting healthcare awareness to providing technical expertise for local development initiatives. These collaborations foster a sense of mutual respect and understanding, allowing us to learn from each other and tailor our interventions to address specific community needs.

Harambee University Extends a Helping Hand During COVID-19

As the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, communities around the world faced unprecedented challenges. In Ethiopia, the impact was particularly felt by the most vulnerable populations, who were often left struggling to meet their basic needs. Harambee University, recognizing the dire situation, stepped forward to offer a beacon of hope and support. Understanding the critical need for food security, the university launched an initiative to provide essential food items to families hit hard by the pandemic.

The initiative focused on delivering essential food packages to over 100 vulnerable citizens in the surrounding communities. These packages included vital items like:

  • Cooking oil: A crucial ingredient for preparing nutritious meals.
  • Macaroni and pasta: Affordable and filling sources of carbohydrates.
  • This timely intervention provided much-needed relief to families struggling to put food on the table. The university's efforts helped to alleviate the immediate burden of hunger and brought a sense of hope and comfort during a difficult time.

As the COVID-19 pandemic raged across the globe, the need for protective measures became paramount. In Ethiopia, Harambee University rose to the challenge, becoming a vital source of support for the surrounding communities. Recognizing the crucial role of hygiene in curbing the spread of the virus, the university undertook a two-pronged approach

  • Taking initiative, Harambee University put its resources to good use. Leveraging its well-equipped pharmacy laboratory, the university began producing its own hand sanitizer. This ensured a readily available supply of this essential hygiene product during a time of scarcity.
  • The university's commitment to quality was unwavering. The hand sanitizer was formulated according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, guaranteeing its effectiveness in combating the virus. This vital step ensured that the communities receiving the sanitizer could trust its efficacy.

Harambee University's efforts went beyond mere production. The university actively distributed the hand sanitizer to various communities and organizations in need. This included

  • Local healthcare centers: Ensuring frontline healthcare workers had access to proper sanitation measures.
  • Schools and educational institutions: Protecting students and educators from the virus's spread.
  • Vulnerable communities: Providing essential support to those most at risk during the pandemic.
  • Furthermore, Harambee University recognized the importance of temperature checks in identifying potential COVID-19 cases. The university procured and distributed infrared thermometers alongside the hand sanitizer, further bolstering the community's defense against the virus

Harambee University understood that knowledge is power in the Picht against pandemics. To empower the Gada Kebele community, the university provided a wealth of mini-media materials focusing on COVID-19 awareness and prevention. These materials, tailored to the local context and language, covered crucial topics like

  • Identifying symptoms: Ensuring quick recognition of potential cases for timely intervention. Hygiene practices: Promoting handwashing, mask-wearing, and other essential habits to curb the spread of the virus.
  • Social distancing: Highlighting the importance of physical distancing to minimize transmission risks.
  • Myths and misconceptions: Dispelling misinformation and promoting evidence-based knowledge about the virus.
  • These readily accessible mini-media materials served as vital educational tools, empowering the Gada Kebele community to make informed decisions and protect themselves from the pandemic.

Harambee University's multifaceted approach to supporting Gada Kebele during the COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies its unwavering commitment to social responsibility and community well-being. By bridging the knowledge gap and providing practical resources, the university played a crucial role in empowering the community to navigate the challenges of the pandemic and promote collective health.