Start of the Entrepeneurship training at Hawassa University as part of the return support program

The MOBILISE Project hosted a Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop on Career Information, Advice, and Guidance (CIAG) at Hawassa University, marking an important step in strengthening career support services for returning students. Held from November 25 to 28, 2024, the workshop was led by Hermina Kooijman (MSM) and welcomed 15 participants, including career service coordinators, faculty members, and students who had returned from their mobility phase in the Netherlands. 

As part of the MOBILISE Return Program, this training was designed to equip university staff with the necessary tools to guide students in their career paths, ensuring they are well-prepared to enter the job market. Over the four days, participants engaged in hands-on sessions covering career planning, soft skills development, employability training, job market expectations, networking strategies, and alumni engagement. 

Feedback from the training was overwhelmingly positive, with participants appreciating the practical exercises and interactive discussions. However, some noted that more time was needed for discussions due to language barriers. There was also strong interest in incorporating additional entrepreneurship-focused workshops, complementing sessions already covered by local expert Alemfrie Derese Chekole. 

A major outcome of the workshop was the development of a structured Action Plan to support returning students in their job search and career progression. Kibret Fekadu and Abera Alemu will oversee its implementation, ensuring that the insights from the training are put into action effectively. 

With stronger career services now in place at Hawassa University, returning graduates will be better positioned to navigate the evolving job market and contribute meaningfully to their communities. This training represents a significant step forward in the MOBILISE project’s mission to build sustainable career support systems.