Milka has a Bachelor’s degree in Health Informatics and worked as an assistant lecturer in the Health Informatics department at the University of Gondar for about a year. In this role, she assisted students in their projects and supported their academic progress. Milka’s experience has strengthened her ability to mentor others, communicate ideas effectively, and foster a collaborative learning environment.

Milka’s motivation to join the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program comes from her desire to transform Ethiopia’s healthcare system. During her time at the University of Gondar, she witnessed the immense challenges faced by soldiers injured in the ongoing conflict, which highlighted the urgent need for rehabilitation services. Occupational therapy, a field not yet established in her country, has the potential to address these gaps, and Milka is inspired to help lead this change. This program provides Milka with the opportunity to gain advanced knowledge at Queen’s University, which she hopes to use to make the University of Gondar a pioneer in introducing and practicing Occupational Therapy in Ethiopia.

At Queen’s, Milka expects a challenging academic environment that fosters personal and professional growth. She looks forward to learning from leading experts, collaborating with diverse peers, and gaining practical and research skills to address Ethiopia’s need for occupational therapy.

The collaboration between the University of Gondar and Queen’s University is transformative, not just for the future of Ethiopia’s healthcare system but also for the lives of those directly involved. For individuals like Milka’s cohort, it provides a life-changing opportunity to study in a country where Occupational Therapy is well-established, offering advanced knowledge and a rich foundation of expertise. This exposure not only enhances our personal and professional development but also equips students to create meaningful change in Ethiopia.

By learning from a country with a long history of Occupational Therapy practice, we gain insights into what is possible and can bring back innovative approaches to help fill critical gaps in Ethiopia’s healthcare system. The potential to contribute to the establishment of the first Occupational Therapy department at the University of Gondar is both inspiring and historic.

Upon completing her studies, Milka plans to bring a deep understanding of Occupational Therapy to the University of Gondar, helping to establish Ethiopia’s first Occupational Therapy program. This directly aligns with the Mastercard Foundation’s mission of promoting inclusive and quality education.

By “inclusivity,” Milka means creating a program that is accessible to individuals from all walks of life—people with disabilities, those affected by conflict, and marginalized groups. The goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of background, has access to education and rehabilitation services that empower them to participate fully in society. This approach will remove barriers that often limit access to quality care and professional opportunities, making the field of occupational therapy open to all.

When Milka refers to “quality,” she means an education that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and practical tools necessary to address real-world challenges. A quality education in Occupational Therapy should combine academic theory with hands-on training, preparing students to work effectively in diverse healthcare settings. This will ensure that graduates can provide high-quality, evidence-based care to individuals, improving their daily lives and fostering greater independence.

By incorporating these principles, we can establish a sustainable, forward-thinking Occupational Therapy program at the University of Gondar that addresses Ethiopia’s pressing healthcare needs. Additionally, Milka hopes to influence the field’s development, particularly in providing rehabilitation services to individuals affected by ongoing conflict, ensuring that soldiers, veterans, and civilians alike receive the support they need to reintegrate into society.

Abebe graduated from the University of Gondar in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Urban Planning. Following his undergraduate studies, Abebe was appointed as an Assistant Lecturer at the university, where he served as an instructor. Subsequently, Abebe pursued a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture at EiABC – Addis Ababa University. After completing his graduate studies, Abebe resumed his position as a Lecturer at the University of Gondar.

During Abebe’s tenure at the university, he actively participated in and oversaw numerous projects and community service initiatives. In addition to his academic responsibilities, he maintained a professional practice in Architecture and Landscape Architecture. Over time, Abebe earned a distinguished reputation in the field, establishing himself as one of the most sought-after landscape architects in the country.

Abebe’s motivation to join the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program stems from a deep commitment to improving the lives of others through inclusive design.  His initial exposure to the concepts of universal design and accessibility during his architectural education ignited a passion within him to impact people’s experiences within the built environment positively. However, he became increasingly concerned by the prevailing design trends in Ethiopia, which often overlooked the needs of individuals with disabilities. Recognizing his role within a system that perpetuated this inequity at all levels—from policy and implementation to development—he felt compelled to advocate for change. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers Abebe an invaluable platform to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and cultivate the expertise necessary to create truly enabling environments. Abebe is particularly drawn to the Occupational Therapy program because it enables him to advocate for systemic equality and develop a better lens to help rethink the system in Ethiopia. Abebe expects his studies at Queen’s to equip him with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to address the systemic barriers faced by people with disabilities and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of spatial justice, accessibility, therapeutic spaces, and above all Architecture as a tool for therapy to improve the daily life of people in Ethiopia.

The collaboration between the University of Gondar and Queen’s University represents a significant and exciting opportunity for the Ethiopian community, particularly in the realm of health sciences. The introduction of Occupational Therapy (OT) to Ethiopia through this partnership is a privilege and a source of great anticipation.  Bringing together two esteemed institutions—the University of Gondar, a leading force in Ethiopian health education, and Queen’s University, a renowned center of health science expertise in Canada—under the auspices of the Mastercard Foundation, creates a powerful synergy. This collaboration has the potential to significantly advance healthcare practices and education within Ethiopia. Abebe believe this partnership is poised for growth and should serve as a foundation for even greater collaborative endeavours in the future, expanding its impact on healthcare development and capacity building within the nation.

Abebe’s studies in Occupational Therapy directly align with the Mastercard Foundation’s mission of fostering inclusive and quality education by equipping him with the skills and knowledge to address critical gaps in healthcare accessibility.  By focusing on OT, Abebe will be trained to empower individuals with disabilities and other health challenges to participate fully in their communities, thus promoting inclusivity and well-being. Upon completing his program, Abebe intends to return to the University of Gondar and contribute to the development of the OT program, both academically through teaching and curriculum development and clinically by providing much-needed services and mentorship.  Abebe’s goal is to establish a strong foundation for OT in Ethiopia, ensuring that future generations of healthcare professionals are equipped to provide quality, person-centered care that addresses the unique needs of all individuals.

Hiwot completed her Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy at the University of Gondar, Ethiopia, where she gained a strong foundation in rehabilitation sciences, focusing on improving mobility and functional independence for individuals with physical challenges. Following her graduation, she worked as an assistant lecturer and clinician, providing physiotherapy services to a diverse range of clients, including individuals with disabilities and those recovering from injuries or illnesses. Through this role, Hiwot gained practical experience addressing physical and systemic barriers to health and well-being, particularly in under served communities in Ethiopia. These experiences reinforced her commitment to advancing equitable access to rehabilitation services and inspired her to pursue advanced studies in Occupational Therapy to address the critical shortage of rehabilitation professionals in Ethiopia.

Hiwot’s motivation to become part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program stems from her deep commitment to improving equitable access to rehabilitation services in Ethiopia. Growing up in a country with a critical shortage of rehabilitation professionals and witnessing the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, she became determined to contribute to the development of rehabilitation services in her community.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offered her a unique opportunity to access education at Queen’s University, enabling her to gain the advanced skills, knowledge, and international experience needed to address these challenges. The program’s focus on leadership, community impact, and driving social change resonated strongly with her personal and professional aspirations.

Hiwot’s expectations for her studies at Queen’s University include acquiring specialized training in Occupational Therapy, particularly in areas such as inclusion and advocacy for people with disabilities. She also seeks to develop her research skills, learn innovative approaches to rehabilitation, and build connections with global experts and peers. Ultimately, she aims to apply the knowledge and experiences gained at Queen’s to establish Occupational Therapy services in Ethiopia and advocate for policies that promote inclusion and equity for people with disabilities.

Hiwot views the collaboration between the University of Gondar and Queen’s University as a transformative partnership with immense potential to address critical gaps in rehabilitation services in Ethiopia. This partnership acts as a crucial conduit for sharing knowledge and resources between the two institutions, enhancing capacity building, encouraging knowledge exchange, and fostering the creation of sustainable, locally relevant solutions.

Upon completing her studies, Hiwot hopes to bring back advanced knowledge, practical skills, and international perspectives to the University of Gondar. She aims to contribute to curriculum development, establish training programs in Occupational Therapy, and lead initiatives that integrate rehabilitation services into educational institutions. By doing so, she plans to support the University of Gondar’s efforts to promote inclusion, improve access to quality education, and enhance opportunities for individuals with disabilities across Ethiopia.

Tenaye completed her bachelor’s degree in optometry and has worked as an assistant lecturer in the Department of Optometry since graduating in 2021.

While working as an optometrist and health professional, Tenaye observed individuals with disabilities struggling to engage in activities that are meaningful to them. This experience inspired her to become passionate about rehabilitation and helping people overcome these challenges. The Occupational Therapy Program, offered by Queen’s University in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, presents an excellent opportunity for Tenaye to fulfill this aspiration.

Tenaye believes that the collaboration between the University of Gondar and Queen’s University to establish the first Occupational Therapy program in the country is crucial in addressing the need for rehabilitation services in Ethiopia. The program will also help increase awareness about disabilities, thereby aiding in improving the participation of individuals with disabilities and creating an inclusive community. Tenaye recognizes her chance to study at Queen’s University as an opportunity to establish long-lasting connections and networks with academics as well as fellow students, both locally and internationally.

After obtaining her MSc in Occupational Therapy, Tenaye aims to contribute to the advancement of the occupational therapy profession in Ethiopia through clinical practice and teaching. The theoretical knowledge and practical skills acquired from Queen’s University will serve as valuable resources for her. As an occupational therapist, her goal is to create awareness about disability in the community to promote and enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

Betelhem studied pharmacy in her undergrad. Before she began her studies at Queen’s University, Betelhem worked as an assistant lecturer in the clinical pharmacy department at the University of Gondar.

Betelhem joined the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program because she saw it as a chance to pursue her studies in a field that wasn’t available in Ethiopia, particularly occupational therapy. Betelhem expects her time at Queen’s University to equip her with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to strengthening rehabilitation and inclusive environments back home in Ethiopia.

Betelhem believes the collaboration between the University of Gondar and Queen’s University is extremely valuable. This partnership brings access to expertise, resources, and educational opportunities that can help strengthen academic programs, improve healthcare services, and contribute to the development of community-based rehabilitation in Ethiopia.

Once Betelhem completes her studies, she hopes to bring back advanced knowledge, skills, and innovative approaches to occupational therapy practice to the University of Gondar. Ultimately, Betelhem aims to bring a culture of inclusivity and excellence in education and rehabilitation to the University of Gondar, benefiting students, faculty, and the community.

Prior to Eden’s studies with the Mastercard Foundation, she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from Gondar University. Subsequently, she served as an Assistant Lecturer for one and a half years, where she contributed to the academic environment while also practicing architecture through collaborative design projects. Additionally, Eden holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Bahir Dar University.

Eden’s motivation to join the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program stems from her strong interest in inclusive and universal design. Despite transitioning from an architecture background to health sciences, she is committed to acquiring a deeper understanding of occupational therapy to enhance her ability to design facilities that are client-centred and therapeutic. Pursuing a master’s in occupational therapy at Queen’s University aligns with Eden’s goal of making physical environments accessible to all users.

The collaboration between the University of Gondar and Queen’s University presents a valuable opportunity for academics and professionals to gain a comprehensive understanding of rehabilitation science. This collaboration not only facilitates knowledge exchange but also contributes to the growth of rehabilitation science in Ethiopia. By utilizing expertise from both institutions, individuals can make significant contributions to society.

By acquiring expertise in occupational therapy, Eden aims to contribute to creating inclusive learning environments that cater to diverse needs. Additionally, she aspires to bring new approaches to designing physical environments that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility in a professional manner. Once Eden has completed her studies, she hopes to bring back knowledge and skills to the University of Gondar, enhancing its capacity to provide quality education and support inclusivity initiatives.

Abiy was a lecturer and a clinical optometrist at the University of Gondar, Ethiopia. He received his BSc degree, MSc degree in clinical optometry, and MBA degree from the University of Gondar, Ethiopia, in 2012, 2017, and 2022, respectively. Abiy’s role was as an academician and clinical service provider. In addition to his duties as a lecturer, he served the communities of the Amhara region through an outreach program. Abiy’s research interests are low vision and visual impairment.

One of Abiy’s interests during the eye campaign was restoring functional activities through low-vision aids. To make this possible through rehabilitation, he joined the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. He expects to gain the skills, attitude, and knowledge needed to support a client in achieving his/her Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)/ Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) from this program.

Abiy will use his research experience to shape the occupational therapy program in Ethiopia by doing client-focused research.

Talaksew completed his bachelor’s degree in comprehensive nursing from the University of Gondar, after which he worked as a graduate assistant in the Department of Comprehensive Nursing.

Talaksew was inspired to join the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program due to its vision of promoting inclusive higher education for individuals with disabilities, establishing a novel occupational therapy program in Ethiopia, and fostering research in community-based rehabilitation across Africa. He envisions that his time at Queen’s University will furnish him with the theoretical foundation of occupational therapy and refine his skills through practical experience gained from clinical placements, thus enabling him to become a proficient professional in the field.

He believes that the collaboration between the University of Gondar and Queen’s University is playing a great role in reaching a considerable number of individuals with disabilities in Ethiopia. Specifically, the occupational therapy program established at Gondar University will provide the necessary professionals for the public.

After completing his studies at Queen’s, he hopes to bring the experiences he acquired back to the University of Gondar to contribute to the expanding field of occupational therapy in Ethiopia.