Mekelle/Tel Aviv/Nairobi/Pretoria/Londonorg
Raya University and Gumaye Foundation Sign Five-Year Cooperation Agreement
Raya University (RU) and the Gumaye Foundation (GF) have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration in cultural development, education, research, and community engagement. The agreement, signed in Maichew, Tigray Regional State, establishes a structured framework for joint initiatives across multiple thematic areas and may be renewed upon mutual consent.
The ceremony brought together senior officials from both institutions. Representatives of Raya University included Dr. Nega Afera, Academic Vice President; Dr. Mohamed Awel, Special Assistant to the Academic Vice President; Dr. Asmelash Tasew, Head of International Relations and Partnerships; and several key executives overseeing finance, property administration, gender and youth affairs, student services, STEM programs, general services, income generation, and health sciences.
The Gumaye Foundation was represented by its Founder and CEO, Dr. Hagos Abrha Abay, and board member Tesfamariam Dargai.
According to both parties, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to promoting cultural identity, expanding access to quality education, advancing research, and supporting community development efforts. A central component of the cultural collaboration is Mahlete Gumaye, a flagship initiative under the Gumaye Foundation that focuses on the preservation and promotion of heritage and indigenous knowledge.
Broad Areas of Collaboration
The MoU outlines cooperation in several key sectors:
Culture, Heritage, and Tourism: Joint research, documentation, and revitalisation of cultural practices, including activities under the Mahlete Gumaye initiative.
Literacy and Education: Programs aimed at improving literacy and expanding educational opportunities through outreach, training, and community engagement.
Peace and Stability: Efforts to promote social cohesion and conflict resolution using educational tools, customary practices, and cultural dialogue.
Environment and Climate Change: Research and community projects addressing environmental protection, sustainability, and climate resilience.
Research and Innovation: Collaborative studies, publications, and knowledge-sharing platforms in areas of shared interest.
Training and Capacity Building: Workshops, specialised training, and institutional partnerships to strengthen human and organisational capacity.
Humanitarian and Emergency Response: Cooperation in supporting vulnerable communities during crises.
Strengthening Community-Focused Development
Officials from both RU and GF emphasised that the agreement aligns with ongoing national and regional efforts to expand higher education’s role in community service, cultural preservation, and sustainable development. The MoU is expected to facilitate academic exchanges, joint project implementation, and resource mobilisation for programs that benefit local communities.
The partnership positions Raya University as a key regional institution supporting cultural and developmental initiatives, while the Gumaye Foundation gains expanded institutional backing for its heritage-centered and community-based programs.
Both parties have expressed readiness to begin implementing the first phase of activities in the coming months.
