The American Space Hawassa established at College of Agriculture in Hawassa university has been officially launched by His Excellency Ambassador Ervin J. Masinga, Dr. Chirotaw Ayele and Mr. Beyene Berassa.
Hawassa University and the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia have been working in collaboration to realize the visions of expanding educational access, digital literacy, and cross-cultural exchange for students, young professionals, and entrepreneurs across the Sidama Region.
In his welcome address, Dr. Chirotaw Ayele, President of Hawassa University, noted the strong ties that Hawassa University and U.S. institutions have built over the years and expressed the university’s commitment to further capitalize on the robust collaboration in the future. He added that the launch of the American Space in Hawassa serves as a public diplomacy platform and cultural hub designed to promote mutual understanding, educational exchange, and engagement between the people of Ethiopia and the United States.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ervin Massinga, Ambassador of United States to Ethiopia, stated that the American Space in Hawassa will serve as a center for cultural and commercial exchange, innovation, AI and soft skills development for the community in and around Hawassa. He reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to continuing and strengthening its longstanding collaboration with Hawassa University and the entire region.
H.E. Ato Beyene Berassa, Vice President and Head of the Sidama Regional State Education Bureau, underscored that the American Space is not just a physical space, but a place for continuous learning, connection, and collaboration. He added that the opening of the Space presents an invaluable opportunity for the people of the Sidama Region and Hawassa city.
Following the inauguration, the Ambassador and Hawassa university leadership visited the recently established Malaria and Other Vector-Borne Diseases Research Center located at the Main Campus in collaboration with U.S. institutions.
The newly established American Space serves as a dynamic hub for learning, innovation, and global engagement. Equipped with high-speed internet access, computer labs, digital resources, and specialized learning materials, the space provides free, open access to academic tools and skill-building programs for the university community and the wider public.
Government officials from Sidama National regional State, Hawassa City Administration, Hawassa University leadership, faculty members, students, and members of the wider community attended the inaugural ceremony of the Space.
