This is a reflection of commitment and determination that continues to evolve and grow over time. It represents a bond that has withstood the test of time, and it’s a promise that this special connection will endure for many more years, decades and generations to come with clear and genuine insights in helping to Empower Jimma University and Shaping the future generation of Ethiopia’s youth
Yes, for 10+ years, a quiet revolution in knowledge exchange has been taking root, connecting the intellectual power of the global Ethiopian diaspora directly to the heart of Ethiopia’s higher education. Since its founding in London in 2010, the Global Knowledge Exchange Network (GKEN) has been a steadfast partner to Jimma University (JU), driven by a single, powerful mission: to strengthen a diverse global network that transforms JU’s students into nationally and globally competent professionals.
This journey, built on the spirit of volunteerism and a profound commitment to Ethiopia, has grown into a formidable force for change. Today, GKEN boasts over 1,500 professional volunteers—Ethiopians and friends of Ethiopia from across the globe, representing a rich tapestry of nationalities and professional backgrounds. This collective expertise has been channeled into tangible, impactful outcomes for Jimma University.
A Foundation of Collaboration: Conferences and Capacity Building
GKEN’s work is rooted in practical action. To effectively discharge our professional and moral responsibilities, we initiated a yearly multi-disciplinary conference. This flagship event has become a cornerstone of our mission, with nine successful conferences held to date. A landmark moment was our 2015 conference at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UN-ECA) in Addis Ababa, which attracted over 500 delegates.
Beyond conferences, our collaboration has flourished through workshops, public lectures, and high-level capacity-building sessions with JU’s senior management. We have facilitated vital connections, leading to formal Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with several UK academic institutions, fostering a valuable North-South and South-South exchange that has brought over 70 international academics to JU.
The Crown Jewel: The Ethiopian Doctoral and Masters Academy (EDMA)
Our most significant and innovative contribution is the creation of the Ethiopian Doctoral and Masters Academy (EDMA). Piloted at JU in 2014, EDMA is a structured, sustainable model designed to support post-graduate education. Its achievements speak for themselves:
- Structured Support: Developed a comprehensive HANDBOOK, STUDY GUIDE, and templates to clarify expectations and operationalize the academy.
- Programme Development: Helped create and validate a unique PhD programme in Information Science.
- Direct Teaching & Mentorship: Recruited and taught PhD candidates, supervised and mentored five PhD candidates to successful graduation (three in Information Science, two in Material Science) at no cost to the candidates, JU, or the nation.
- Wide-Reaching Impact: Supervised and mentored over 150 post-graduate candidates and delivered specialized training in Statistics and data analysis.
- Substantial Donation: Donated dentistry equipment worth 1,000,000 Ethiopian Birr for teaching purposes.
The success of this model has been so profound that it has been documented in a book published by the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA): A Knowledge Exchange Model to Develop the Capacity of Universities and the council intend to replicate the work of EDMA in ADMAS (African Doctorial & Masters Academic Society
A Legacy in Print: Sharing Knowledge Globally
GKEN’s commitment to knowledge dissemination extends beyond the classroom. We have compiled, edited, and published esteemed research volumes, such as:
- Putting Knowledge to Work: The Transfer and Exchange of Academic Research
- Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Future
These publications, available globally, ensure that the insights generated through our partnership reach a worldwide audience.
Looking Forward: A Decade of Digital Transformation
As we stand at the 10+ year milestone and still counting, we reflect with pride but look to the future with renewed purpose. Our plans for a 10th-anniversary conference, postponed due to the pandemic, are ready to be revived. We propose to co-host this milestone event with JU and other partner universities under the forward-looking theme: “Shaping the Future of Education via Digital Technology in Africa.”
To ensure the sustainability and growth of this vital work, we have conducted a situational analysis.
Our Strengths & Opportunities:
- The unwavering commitment of our 1,500+ volunteers.
- A diverse pool of multi-disciplinary expertise.
- A strong, supportive network of global professionals.
- A proven, replicable model in EDMA.
Our Challenges:
- Securing dedicated funding to support and scale GKEN activities.
- Enhancing institutional appreciation for volunteerism and knowledge exchange.
- Ensuring the long-term sustainability of volunteer-driven initiatives.
A Call for a Sustainable Partnership
The story of GKEN is one of profound personal commitment. For over a decade, our volunteers have sacrificed personal and family time, with our founder personally covering costs for meetings and logistics. Inspired by the belief that we should “be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity,” we have given our all.
As we embark on the next decade, we invite Jimma University to deepen this partnership. We propose the creation of a dedicated Global Engagement & Knowledge Exchange Office (e.g., a Pro-President or Pro-Vice President role) with college-level coordinators. This would provide the strategic and budgetary framework needed to institutionalize our gains and plan for the next deacades and beyond.
The past 10+ years have demonstrated what is possible when passion meets purpose. Together, we have built a foundation of knowledge, connection, and capacity. Let us now work hand-in-hand to build a future where this impact is not just sustained, but multiplied.
In order to further address the above key issues in a short- and long-term basis we further propose the establishment of JU Global Partnership Network (GPN) to help achieve solutions to national, continental, and global challenges.
Amare Desta (Prof) [PhD, MEd, MSc, LCGI, BSc (Hons)]
Co-Founder & Chair of GKEN and Director of EDMA