Final Module in Addis Ababa (March 11–14, 2025)

From March 11 to 14, 2025, the final module of the EthioStars Train-the-Trainer (TOT) program took place in Addis Ababa.
This four-day mission marked the conclusion of an intensive journey in which Ethiopian academics were trained as facilitators to strengthen professors’ leadership and supervision skills.
During this closing mission, all participants came together for workshops, reflection sessions, and evaluation discussions.

Looking Back: 14 Facilitators, 100 Professors

In 2024, a group of fourteen promising Ethiopian facilitators successfully completed the full TOT program offered by Impetus Academy.
Between November 2024 and February 2025, these facilitators jointly delivered training sessions for nearly 100 professors from seven universities across the country, including Addis Ababa, Jimma, Hawassa, Ambo, Mekele, Arba Minch, and Bahir Dar.

Thanks to the 'train-the-trainer' approach, the acquired knowledge and methods are widely shared: each certified facilitator passes on their expertise within their own institution, creating a ripple effect that enhances the quality of higher education and, in particular, strengthens the supervision of PhD students in Ethiopia.

Goals of the closing mission

The March mission pursued several clear objectives. First, it offered an opportunity to reflect on the initial training round: what went well and what could be improved? Second, it created space for peer exchange and learning, where facilitators shared experiences and helped each other identify lessons learned. Finally, the group worked together to make concrete adjustments to the content and format of the course, ensuring it aligns even better with the needs of academics in the Ethiopian context.

Evaluation results: high satisfaction and valuable feedback

The professors who participated in the training sessions were invited to provide feedback. Seventy of the ninety-six participants (73%) responded, offering valuable insights. On average, the training received a score of 8.2/10, with the likelihood of recommending the course rated even higher at 8.8/10. The interactive learning methods and the clear practical applications were especially appreciated. Participants also provided constructive suggestions for improvement:

Include more authentic examples and practical case studies
Strengthen the integration within the Ethiopian academic context
Provide follow-up support to help implement the training over the long term
Improve logistics, such as using external venues, mixing groups, and enhancing planning

National workshop and trainer certification

A key milestone took place on Friday, March 14, with the official certification ceremony for the fourteen facilitators. This event coincided with a national workshop attended by more than 150 Ethiopian academics. The newly certified facilitators were recognized for their commitment and received their certificates. Testimonies from facilitators and professors highlighted the impact of the training, and a meaningful dialogue about the future of higher education in Ethiopia was opened. The meeting was organized with support from VLIR-UOS and attended by representatives of the Ethiopian Ministry of Higher Education, underscoring the relevance and impact of this initiative.

Gender-inclusive approach: 'For ladies, by ladies'

A particularly powerful aspect of the mission was the focus on gender equality in academia. Two female facilitators led a special session, For ladies, by ladies, with twelve female professors from various universities. In a safe and inspiring setting, the participants shared experiences, discussed challenges, and explored leadership tools to navigate gender-specific dynamics. Feedback was unanimously positive, demonstrating how this targeted approach supports broader goals of inclusion and empowerment in higher education.

This is only the beginning!

Although the train-the-trainer program is now formally completed, the broader rollout of the training for professors is just beginning. Starting in May 2025, the facilitators will launch a second training round, again preparing about 100 academic colleagues across the seven participating universities. The project will continue into 2026 to support broad dissemination of this initiative.
With a growing community of certified local facilitators, EthioStars is building a sustainable network to strengthen PhD supervision, improve research quality, and foster stronger academic leadership across Ethiopia.

The EthioStars Train-the-Trainer program is part of a broader vision to improve the quality of PhD supervision across Ethiopia. The program is funded by VLIR-UOS (the Flemish Interuniversity Council for University Development Cooperation) and is closely aligned with the goals of the IQ-GEAR network—an interuniversity partnership aimed at strengthening postgraduate education and research in Ethiopia.