A decade-long partnership between the University of Gondar in Ethiopia, Queen’s University in Canada, and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has demonstrated how universities can drive systemic change in higher education and national health services. This collaboration has expanded access to education for underserved young people, particularly those with disabilities, while building institutional capacity and introducing new professional pathways.
The University of Gondar recently marked a milestone with a showcase highlighting achievements and future directions. The event featured the launch of a Knowledge Mobilization Toolkit to help global institutions translate research into community-level impact. It also celebrated the graduation of Ethiopia’s first cohort of occupational therapists, establishing 16 professionals in disability care and creating dignified work opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Since its inception, the program has supported more than 450 Mastercard Foundation Scholars in undergraduate and Master’s studies, while over 60 faculty members have received advanced training at Queen’s University. These faculty now play a critical role in delivering inclusive, high-quality education and sustaining teaching and research capacity in Ethiopia. A landmark achievement was the establishment of Ethiopia’s first Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy program in 2021, alongside the integration of occupational therapy services within the University hospital.
The partnership has also trained more than 175 Scholars in Community-Based Rehabilitation, shifting disability care from a narrow clinical lens to a holistic, community-centered approach. This is particularly significant given the shortage of rehabilitation professionals across Sub-Saharan Africa. Alumni like Zelalem Dessalegn Demeke have turned their lived experiences into professional service, founding initiatives such as the Grand Assistive Technology Center to restore dignity and independence to persons with disabilities.
Beyond implementation, the collaboration has produced over 47 peer-reviewed publications and joint research projects, positioning the University of Gondar as a hub for inclusive development and thought leadership. These contributions are shaping how inclusive education and rehabilitation are understood and applied in both institutional and community settings.
For the University of Gondar, this work represents a long-term transformation toward inclusive excellence. As President Asrat Atsedeweyn noted, the partnership has fundamentally reshaped the institution’s DNA by building faculty capacity, introducing meaningful programs, and expanding enrollment of students with disabilities. The model offers a practical example for other universities across Africa and beyond, showing how long-term investment and collaboration can drive inclusive, sustainable change at scale.
