UWB will take part in training new aerospace engineers in Africa

In mid-September, representatives of Jimma University in Ethiopia spent an entire week at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen (UWB). They met with the Rector of UWB as well as representatives of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, the Faculty of Philosophy, and the NTC Research Centre.

The Ethiopian delegation, led by Rector Jemal Abafita Ababulgu, came primarily to discuss the involvement of UWB experts in a study program aimed at training new aerospace engineers. This program is part of a broader plan to develop Ethiopia’s technical higher education. The program has been supported by the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the EthioTech project, which involves two faculties and a research centre. The talks in Pilsen followed a visit by UWB representatives to Jimma in May, where the first outlines of cooperation were presented.

“This is an important step in strengthening the University of West Bohemia’s international ties. It confirms the long-term interest of foreign institutions in cooperating on the introduction of new study programs that have a direct impact on both the industrial and academic development of the region,” said Martin Melichar, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at UWB.

The week-long program also included a meeting with UWB Rector Miroslav Lávička and a tour of the RTI and NTC research centres. A highlight for the African delegation was their visit to UWB’s Science and Technology Day on Pilsen’s Republic Square.

“Jimma University has long been a partner of our faculty and is among Ethiopia’s leaders in science and research. Until now, our cooperation has focused mainly on the social sciences. The EthioTech project is therefore a great opportunity to expand this collaboration into other fields and to share examples of good practice,” added Jan Záhořík of the Faculty of Philosophy at UWB.

The project will continue in November with training in Jimma. UWB experts will analyse selected Ethiopian study programs in mechanical engineering and biomechanics, propose what should be taught in them, and outline specific ways they can assist in teaching.

The one-year EthioTech project is funded by the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the program Strengthening Capacities in Higher Education in Developing Countries.