USA’s Deputy Chief of Mission in Ethiopia, Mr Peter Vrooman, during his courtesy visit to Arba Minch University, assured President, Dr Feleke Woldeyes, to upscale collaboration in teaching and other arenas. Click here to see the Pictures.

The Ambassador accompanied with English Language Fellow, Ms Hannah Murphy, to be hosted by AMU, praised university for its valuable contribution in engineering stream. He said Arba Minch is fast developing town in Southern region and the area of common interests like agriculture, forestry and agro business would be mutually beneficial. Hannah will be tailoring the needs of English department, science and business.
Valuing collaboration with Arba Minch town and university, he said, ‘‘Our programs are lined with Growth and Transformation Plan-I & II on education and health areas, where embassy closely works on combating HIV, malaria, rabies and trachoma with Regional Health Bureau. He says, Embassy’s public affairs professionals will help AMU on Fulbright scholarships
Informing the diplomat, Dr Feleke said, AMU is pioneer in various research areas including water resource engineering, neglected tropical diseases, culture and bio-diversity. Giving a lowdown on university, he urges for cooperation on basic level education and also informed about AMU’s association with Washington State University.
Envoy was apprised about region’s great potential in highland agriculture and tourism that attracts substantial tourists annually. Further cooperation in electrification and irrigation was sought.
On 70:30 ratio, President informed, ‘‘We have adequate Master degree holders but lacked PhDs, therefore, we are looking for more doctoral degree opportunities for our teachers.
Asking for possible ties on health issues, he said, in this characteristically tropical climate, malaria comes first where research becomes imperative. Climate is eroded due to expansion and rapid urbanization; lakes are being de-silted as they are becoming swallower. And there is need to harness and prorogate cultural ethos which is getting diluted.
Vice President for Research and Community Service, Dr Guchie Gulie, sought collaboration with US embassy on solar light as an alternative source of energy for the region. Vice President for Business and Development, Mrs Rahel Elias and Corporate Communication Directorate’s Director, Mr Fissiha Bekele also interacted with the visiting envoy.

(By Corporate Communication Directorate: Philips Joseph)