Raya University and Raya Development Foundation Sign Memorandum of Understanding

December 2, 2025, in a bold and forward-looking step, Raya University (RU) and the Raya Development Foundation (RDF), a registered charitable organization in Canada dedicated to poverty reduction, improved education, public health promotion, cultural preservation, and sustainable socio-economic transformation across Raya and the broader northern Ethiopia region, have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The signing ceremony held, both in face to face and on virtual video conference, at the RU Senate Hall, brought together leaders and representatives from both institutions to affirm their shared vision for long-term cooperation. The event was organized by RU’s Office of International Relations for Research, Partnerships, and Academics.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Tadesse Dejene, President of Raya University, expressed the University’s strong commitment to building a dynamic and mutually beneficial partnership with RDF. He noted that the MoU opens new horizons for collaboration in research, innovation, education, and capacity building essential for strengthening institutions and enabling them to respond effectively to societal challenges.
Mr. Abraham Beyene, Executive Director of RDF, expressed the Foundation’s full readiness to engage across all agreed-upon areas and emphasized its commitment to building strong bridges between local institutions and the global academic community. He expressed particular enthusiasm for fostering partnerships with Canadian and North American universities to support joint Master’s and PhD programs, collaborative research, staff exchanges, and resource-sharing initiatives aimed at enhancing academic excellence at Raya University.
The MoU was formally signed by Prof. Tadesse Dejene, President of Raya University, and Mr. Ashenafi Dargie, representative of the Raya Development Foundation. The agreement aims to: strengthen research, innovation, and knowledge generation; Promote inclusive and sustainable development initiatives; enhance institutional capacities for both RU and RDF; encourage strategic partnerships for resource mobilization and support collaborative academic and community-focused programs.
Adding depth to the event, Dr. Halefom Gezae, Management Board Member of Raya University, Northern Ethiopia Director at Imagine One Day (International NGO), and Board Chairman of Fana Youth Saving and Credit Association, delivered insightful reflections on the transformative power of strategic collaboration. He stressed that meaningful development flourishes when institutions join hands around shared purpose and collective action. Dr. Halefom encouraged both partners to treat the MoU not merely as a document but as a living roadmap for solving societal problems, inspiring innovation, and uplifting communities across the region.
Raya University, having extended its deep appreciation to the Raya Development Foundation for its unwavering support during the most difficult times of the Tigray war and for assisting displaced people, as well as during the drought in Yakir and Kola Tembien, looks forward to a productive, impactful, and enduring partnership.
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Knowledge for Societal Change!
Raya University
Public and International Relations Executive
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