By: Yitbarek Tekalign
Although the sky over Finfinne was heavy with clouds today, the atmosphere inside the Management Meeting Hall of Oromia State University (OSU) was bright, energized by a shared purpose and high spirit of collaboration. A landmark partnership was officially launched as Gudina Tumsa Foundation (GTF) and OSU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking the beginning of a bold new alliance under the Healthcare and Livelihood Improvement Advocacy Project in Oromia (HaLIAPO).
The GTF delegation, led by Managing Director Mrs. Lensa Gudina, was warmly welcomed by OSU’s senior leadership. Dr. Kokeb Demeke, Vice President for Research and Reform, opened the meeting by greeting the GTF team and introducing fellow members of the university’s management. Brief overviews of OSU’s mission and community engagement approach were shared by Dr. Riyad Dawud, Vice President for Administration and Development, and Dr. Muleta Husein, Vice President for International Partnership and Community Service; each highlighting the university’s commitment to applied research and community service.
From the GTF side, Mr. Iyobed Yonas, Program Director, introduced the Foundation’s team and shared a snapshot of GTF’s ongoing works. His words, accompanied by his ever-warm smile, set the tone for a conversation rooted in purpose and partnership.
The signing ceremony brought forward not only signatures, but a resounding sense of joint commitment. “We will look deeper into how we can work together in the future,” said Mrs. Lensa Gudina, underlining GTF’s long-term vision for holistic development. “We will collaborate fully and work together for our people,” she added.
“This partnership is more than a handshake, it is a shared mission to empower communities with knowledge, skills, and voice,” noted Mrs. Lensa, reinforcing the spirit that guided the occasion.
Furthermore, she shared her appreciation for OSU’s grounded, community-focused services. “It’s inspiring to see how OSU anchors its research in real-life challenges, especially through applied approaches that directly benefit society,” she revealed.
Echoing this sentiment, the OSU leadership expressed deep gratitude for the partnership and emphasized their excitement about working with GTF, particularly on efforts to uplift marginalized communities, including pastoralist populations, which are a shared focus for both institutions.
“This partnership is not just between institutions; it is for the people,” affirmed Mr. Iyobed Yonas. With a strong sense of energy, he added, “We are proud to work with OSU on efforts that ultimately serve and uplift our people.”
Central to the MoU is a joint commitment to advancing research and capacity-building initiatives aligned with the core pillars of the HaLIAPO project. The project seeks to strengthen policy advocacy and systems change through evidence-based interventions.
As pens met paper today at OSU, the path was set not just for cooperation, but for transformation. Backed by mutual respect, trust, and a shared mission, this MoU lays the foundation for impactful, people-centered change in Oromia. The journey begins now, and the future looks promising.
