EAF Executive Committee Meeting Minutes February 2009

Minutes of the Executive Committee (EC) of EAF and Guest Partners on Ethiopian Higher Education held on February 14, 2009 at 1:00 PM at the home of Teshome and Tsehai, Ann Arbor, Michigan. 

Present: Executive Committee: Teshome Wagaw (Chair), Tsehai T. Tsadik, Sisay Asefa, Asrat Tessema, Jember Bekele, Wongelawit Teferra, Tezera Haile, Doree and Assefa Mehretu.

Guests: Professor Mary Sarri and Professor Kelly Askew, University of Michigan

1. Minutes of the meeting of the EC held on November 8, 2008 at 11:00 AM at the home of Wogayehu and Sisay Asefa in Kalamazoo were not discussed because of the joint meeting with an agenda for talking about the possible development of Michigan universities consortium for partnership with Ethiopian universities. 

2.  Agenda: The agenda for the joint meeting was distributed

3.  Introduction of Guests

Teshome Wagaw introduced the guests from the University of Michigan: Professors Sarri, Social Work, and Askey, Director of the African Studies Center at the University of Michigan. 

4.  Brief Remarks on EAF’s objectives and activities

Assefa Mehretu, aided by short write-up that was distributed, described EAF’s objectives and activities.   

5.  Brief Overview of Current Links with Institutions of Higher Education in Ethiopia

Drs. Sarri and Kelly described current links with Ethiopian universities.  Dr. Sarry gave some details on her work on projects that are forthcoming with the Faculty of Social Work focused on research methods.  She spoke about her plan to bring graduate students to University of Michigan for continuation of training in research methods. 
Dr. Kelly gave an overview of UM’s engagement in Africa and what her priorities are as the new Director of African Studies Center at U of M.  Both Drs. Sarri and Kelly expressed interest in principle of the initiative to establish a consortium of Michigan University to partner with Ethiopian universities.  They indicated that they will study David Wiley draft protocol for “The Michigan Partnership for Higher Education in Ethiopia”. 

6. Wiely’s Draft on Michigan Partnership

The EAF/EC and guests indicated that a follow-up meeting would be a good idea and meanwhile, they will study David Wiley’s document and send suggestion for revision or alternative ideas on collaboration.

7.  Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned and it was followed by a luncheon at the Wagaw home.