By: Yitbarek Tekalign
The Mars Hall at Elilly International Hotel hosted a focused and engaging workshop yesterday October 9, 2025. Bathed in soft white light and framed by its high, open ceiling, the venue provided an atmosphere conducive to reflection, discussion, and collaboration for the Training Curriculum Framework Validation Workshop. Organized jointly by the Gudina Tumsa Foundation (GTF) under its HaLIAPOS project and Oromia State University (OSU), the full-day workshop brought together leaders and experts from both organizations for an exchange of ideas to strengthen leadership and capacity-building initiatives.
The workshop builds on the partnership between GTF and OSU, formali zed through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on June 18, 2025. The collaboration leverages the university’s academic and research expertise to support community-centered development and structured capacity building. As Dr. Kokeb Demeke, Vice President for Reform, Research, Studies, Training, and Consultancy at OSU, highlighted, the partnership aims to translate academic knowledge into practical impact for communities in the region.
The session focused on reviewing and validating the curriculum framework developed by OSU in alignment with GTF’s objectives. Participants were divided into three groups for in-depth discussions, after which each group presented their findings. This interactive process fostered collaborative reflection and provided practical inputs to enrich the curriculum. These insights will be incorporated into the framework, which will then serve as the foundation for developing a comprehensive training module.
According to Mr. Iyobed Yonas, GTF’s Programs Director, the curriculum framework represents a key milestone in supporting women’s participation and leadership across Oromia. Mr. Iyobed said the training integrates three core pillars: Public Health Management, to enhance community wellbeing; Political Leadership, to strengthen women’s roles in governance; and Business Leadership Skills, to expand economic opportunities and inclusion. Dr. Abeya Geleta of OSU provided a technical overview, demonstrating how each component connects theory with practical outcomes.
The discussions emphasized relevance, applicability, and alignment with GTF’s mission of equitable transformation. By the end of the day, participants had collectively validated a framework that reflects both collaboration and shared purpose, a roadmap for cultivating capable and visionary women leaders.
As the hall’s open design welcomed light and possibility, the workshop outcomes underscore a path toward shared growth and empowerment, guided by partnership, informed by practical dialogue, and driven by the voices shaping the future of leadership in Oromia.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Geremew Huluka, President of Oromia State University, commended the collaborative efforts of GTF and OSU and highlighted the importance of the training. He noted that once implemented, the training would serve as a platform for experience sharing, rehabilitation, and inspiration. Dr. Geremew emphasized the need for the training to be concise and practical, recommending the preparation of portfolios for follow-up and evaluation to ensure its effectiveness. He described this initiative as golden and urged that it be innovative and impactful.
Dr. Geremew further underlined the importance of carefully selecting trainees, emphasizing that the process must be purposeful and aligned with the intended outcomes. He called for clear and effective follow-up mechanisms, stressing that such initiatives should not be done merely for reporting purposes but for real change. He also urged that the modules should be developed reflecting the high standards and reputation that both GTF and OSU hold within the community. His remarks were energetic and instructive, reflecting a deep sense of expectation for tangible results. He concluded by applauding GTF for this groundbreaking initiative and for joining hands with OSU to achieve meaningful and lasting impact.
