On August 3, 2025, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Gondar certified 41 Mastercard Foundation Scholars from its fourth cohort in the Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Certificate Training. This milestone reflects the Program’s strong commitment to inclusive education and the empowerment of individuals with disabilities.

Originally planned to train 175 Mastercard Foundation Scholars, as the demand increases, the plan surpassed expectations by reaching 250 participants, including 31 Occupational Therapy students. The training was delivered through six modules that integrated both theoretical instruction and practical fieldwork, preparing participants to support people with disabilities in community-based settings.

The certification ceremony featured remarks from Dr. Molalign Belay, Co-Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, and Dr. Meseret Kassie, Co-Manager of Part B of the Program. They emphasized CBR as a comprehensive platform that promotes practice, volunteerism, and engagement with local communities. The program is also part of a larger capacity-building effort aimed at expanding access to inclusive education and services for all health professionals.

The CBR training equips Mastercard Foundation Scholars with the tools to turn their academic learning into real-world impact. Graduates were encouraged to maintain collaboration among themselves, extend their service to the wider community, and apply the principles of inclusion and equity in their future professional endeavors.

Reflections shared during the ceremony highlighted the profound impact of the training on participants. The field-based activities offered meaningful insight into local realities, enhancing their understanding of disability, social inclusion, and the role of community engagement in public health and development.

As the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program continues to grow at the University of Gondar, the CBR Certificate Training stands as a model for inclusive, practical, and community-driven education, preparing the next generation of professionals to lead with competence, empathy, and purpose.