Arba Minch University English Language Improvement Center, ELIC, along-with English Language Fellows of the US State Department organized 2-day training on Academic and Grant Writing, Scholarly Databases, and Publication for over 100 staff members from Nov 30 to Dec 1, 2023. Click here to see more photos.
In his welcoming remark, Dr. Beta Tsamato, the delegate for the Dean of the Pedagogical and Behavioral Sciences School, noted that the school along with the English Language Improvement Center, is carrying out the responsibilities in a newly reformed paradigm that emphasizes growing partnerships with various organizations that can provide pertinent support for the advancement of English Language training and opening professional license centers. Dr. Beta hoped the training to bring additional partners, long-lasting relationship, and create avenues for grant writing and publication.
Dr. Nejib Mohammed, Special Assistant and Delegate for the VP of Academic Affairs stated that getting funds for research project has become increasingly challenging due to competition, funding scarcity, and poor grant writing skills. He added that the topics included in the training are significant and will give our staff practical skills for crafting successful grant proposals and other academic writing-related matters.
Dr. Melese Mengesha, Coordinator for the English Language Improvement Center/ELIC/, noted that the center is working with the British Council and US Embassy. It is implementing several initiatives that empower staff and students. In this regard, the center is collaborating with the British Council to establish an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Center in the university that has various advantages to AMU and its staff. Dr. Melese added saying that the training provided is a component of this collaboration and the topics included are so helpful in improving the knowledge and skills of the staff in the areas of grant writing, academic writing, scholarly databases, and publication; it also supports the university's aspirations to be an autonomous and research-focused institution.
Among the trainers, Dr. Melanie Porter, English Language Fellow of US State Department at Arba Minch University, providing training on academic writing said that “Academic or scientific writing is nonfiction writing produced as part of scholarly work consistent with its scientific language, standards, organizational structure and disciplines of each academic subject. She added that academic writing must be formal, well-organized and prepared, and expected to use accurate language. She also stated that improving the trainees' exposure to academic writing and increasing the grades of trainees who are still enrolled in coursework are expected outcomes of her instruction. Furthermore, she said, “I will be at Arba Minch until the end of July, and I look forward to sharing my experiences with all AMU students and faculty about their research work or any questions on academic issues and challenges."
Mr. Ketema Salelign, a participant in the training from the Department of Chemistry from College Natural and Computational Sciences stated that the two-day training on grant and academic writing and publication addressed the gaps we had previously. He also said that he has learnt several new things from the practical-experience with the trainers. As the university is a research institution, the training provided to the staff will improve the caliber of the research and open up new opportunities for new collaborations.
Mr. Cody Gleason from Jimma University, Mrs. Alexis Kelly from Haramaya University, Dr. Melanie Porter from AMU were the trainers; Participatory certificates were handed over to all trainees who successfully completed the two day training.
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