Workshop on mainstreaming pre-departure training into academic curricula at Hawassa University

On October 24–25, 2025, Hawassa University’s College of Agriculture hosted a two-day workshop under the MOBILISE project to initiate the mainstreaming of the pre-departure and return training program into regular academic curricula. After two years of project implementation, this marks a fundamental step in the project’s capacity-building trajectory with Hawassa University—aimed at ensuring that the innovative approach and employability-focused elements of MOBILISE are fully integrated into the university’s programs and sustained beyond the project’s duration. 

The workshop brought together academic staff, academic program heads, project coordinators, quality assurance and curriculum experts to explore how pre-departure training—designed to prepare students for both national and international employability—can be embedded in existing courses. Following an introduction to the MOBILISE project and the workshop objectives, participants were divided into four thematic groups—Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Sales, Production, and Post-Harvest—to review current curricula and identify integration opportunities. 

Key recommendations from the workshop emphasized the importance of aligning course objectives, course content,  delivery methods, and assessments to ensure that students acquire the practical skills, attitudes, and knowledge necessary for positive employability outcomes. It was suggested that Training of Trainers (ToT) be provided for teachers to equip them with the skills needed to effectively deliver the revised courses. Additionally, the development of a comprehensive teacher guide for these revised courses was recommended to support instructors in their teaching efforts. 

Furthermore, it was highlighted that adequate resources and training must be ensured for all instructors involved in the delivery of the courses. The integration of return program elements within entrepreneurship modules was also discussed as a significant enhancement to the curriculum. 

The workshop concluded with an agreement to produce a comprehensive mainstreaming proposal by early November 2025, detailing revised courses, integration methods, and curriculum implications. Next steps will include a validation process by the College of Agriculture management and relevant academic departments, followed by formal approval and adoption of the revised courses within the university’s academic structure. Participants praised the workshop’s collaborative and practical approach, recognizing it as a milestone in embedding the MOBILISE model within Hawassa University’s programs.