The Hamlin College of Midwives (HCM) celebrated its 8th Class graduation and 10th anniversary on July 14, 2018 at Defence Force Officers Club’s compound, Addis Abeba. This year the college graduated 20 midwives with BSc Degree in Midwifery, raising the total number of Hamlin midwives to 145 since 2007, the establishment of the College 10 years ago.
The ceremony was attended by higher government officials, representatives from the Ministry of Health, diplomatic communities, international partners, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia (HFE) Board members and Senior Management Team, members of the college community, honored guests from oversees, and families and friends of the graduates.
In his congratulatory speech, Ato Zelalem Belete, Dean of the college and Prevention Manager, said, “ Your today’s success is the result of cumulative efforts made by yourself, the government, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia, our trusts, individual donors, health care facilities and your families. You have chosen a novel profession, which saves the lives of mothers and children. I assure you that we shall be at your back wherever you are assigned and serve your commitment.”
Ato Tesfaye Mamo, HFE A/CEO, also congratulated the graduating class, adding, “Your hard work has paid off. The sacrifices you have made and the hardships you have endured have not been in vain. Despite the challenges, I strongly believe you have enjoyed your learning experiences because, as someone has put it clearly, ‘Education is not preparation for life. It is life’. You are also lucky that your graduation coincides with the college’s 1oth anniversary.”
Speaking at the ceremony, HFE Board member, Dr. Mengistu Asnake, inspired the graduates to courageously and honestly accomplish the remaining tasks of their profession. “Congratulations to you and your families! You have successfully accomplished the first phase of your life as a midwife and the most important tasks are awaiting you. I am sure that you will be keeping on Hamlin’s dedication in preventing obstetric fistula and reducing maternal mortality and morbidity which is still a problem in Ethiopia’s maternal healthcare.”
Guest of honor, Ms Caroly Hardy, CEO of Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation, also congratulated the graduates and their families during the occasion, and thanked all who have contributed to the successful realization of the program.
During the ceremony, certificate of appreciation was presented to Ms Sonia Fenton, an Australian who generously donated 1 million USD to Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia for the improvement of maternal and newborn health care in the rural communities of Ethiopia. Staff members of HFE, who exceptionally contributed to the renovation of partner health centers, were also provided with certificates of appreciation.
As part of the 10th anniversary, an exhibition, highlighting the college’s history, facilities, staff, curriculum, teaching-learning, and prevention and deployment activities, was displayed.
