The University of Gondar’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is in its fifth year of operation and aims to provide educational opportunities and related support to people with disabilities and disadvantages.

In this regard, an introductory welcome program for new Scholars took place at the University of Gondar on May 21, 2022, with the opportunity for the Scholars to get well acquainted with the Program and its many details. The program was held at the University of Gondar Aluminum Hall and stakeholders and Invited guests attended.

Mr. Goytom Haile (PWD with Mobility issues), a veteran and popular teacher who has worked as a teacher for more than 30 years, shared his life experiences with young people with disabilities. Goytom’s patriarchal and scholarly advice is that young scholars should always strive for success without giving up.

One of the key establishers of the Program and the day’s special guest of honor, Dr. Yifokir Tefera, on his part said that 17% of our society in Ethiopia are people with disabilities. He noted that the project was designed to provide higher education to these and other disadvantaged communities in East Africa. He also explained in various illustrations that disability is a “measure of patience” for all human beings those who are in those circumstances are not limited but can do anything that they set their mind too.

On the day of the program, other project managers, including Dr. Molalign Belay, gave a welcome message that centered on the core values of the program. A variety of fun and artistic performances were presented by both existing and new scholars and in the Program’s conclusion, the Scholars awarded gifts to people for their great works and contribution to their overall development.