local and international scientific conferences. Eshetu has also worked with various task-forces at the Federal Ministry of Health level in Ethiopia as a nurse expert in the preparation of various documents including the country’s 10 years nursing strategic plan and several training manuals. In the African context, despite the triple burden of health and health related problems (infectious diseases, non-infectious diseases, and injuries) that can potentially cause various forms of disabilities, little attention is given (or very little is done) in terms of rehabilitation research, practice and policy. This fact is one of the most important issues that motivated Eshetu to study Rehabilitation Science through the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program. His specific aim is to advance his research capacity from the rehabilitation perspective so as to effectively conduct relevant studies and generate evidence that influences rehabilitation practice and policy in Africa. It’s a great collaboration that can benefit both Queen’s University and the University of Gondar in various aspects such as knowledge and skill transfer, resource utilization, student exchange, developing and implementing collaborative projects (both research and knowledge translation projects), faculty development, etc.
In Eshetu’s opinion, the assumption behind inclusive education is the fact that students in a certain learning environment may come with different abilities. Therefore, that learning facility shall be designed in a way that it meets the diverse needs of the students by creating a common learning environment at the school, classroom, program, and activity level. This issue is particularly important for students with disabilities as they have diverse needs depending on their disablement. Eshetu thinks his education will help him to deeply understand such issues, conduct relevant studies, and generate evidence. He can also transfer relevant knowledge and skills to the University of Gondar faculty and students.
Doctoral research area: Severe Malaria-related Disability in African Children
Education
- PhD Fellow, Rehabilitation Science, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
- MSc in Pediatrics Nursing
- BSc in Clinical nursing
Supervisors: Dr. Nora Fayed