Community-Based Team Projects in Debre Berhan

Written by Jesse H. Wilson III

In Ethiopia, abundant development and cultural traditions and roots are mixing. Debre Berhan is an exceptional example, a rapidly growing city nestled among the mountains and  farmland that characterize its recent past. Since the founding of Debre Berhan University (DBU) just seven years ago, the once-small farm town is growing faster than ever. 

The growth in the city is perfectly reflected just through the gates of DBU, in its speedy construction and devotion to the quality of its education amidst rapid increases in student enrollment. The students and staff are as resilient and eager as any to learn and grow while working towards the development of their city and nation. What drives these individuals is the goal to one day contribute all they can to their families, communities, and Ethiopia as a whole. Many seek to become medical doctors to prevent disease and bring efficient and accessible healthcare to all Ethiopians. Others seek to strengthen the economy, infrastructure, or government. But all exhibit a national pride that rivals any other. 

The DBU administration and faculty we met place a high value on research and community service, making it a general requirement for all public health students and a core responsibility of faculty and staff. In brainstorming ways that UMD PHWB students and DBU students could work together, one specific DBU program expresses the most compatibility for collaboration. The Community Based Team Project (CBTP) in the College of Medicine and Health Sciences is a practicum course for 3rd year public health students that trains them to apply their knowledge of community health issues such as nutrition, disease prevention, and sanitation. The program incorporates research techniques, data collection, analysis of community strengths and needs, intervention development and implementation, and evaluation. This comprehensive program is everything that the PHWB team could wish for. 

When PHWB returns in the late spring, the students at DBU and UMD will work in tandem in the community of Debre Berhan to prevent malnutrition. Both the PHWB team and DBU are extremely excited to be working together on this project. But I believe that the team is most excited to contribute to the development of this flourishing community.