Nature, Benefits, Challenges and Opportunities of University-Community Engagement: In the Case of University of Gondar, Ethiopia

Abstract

The relationship that exists between universities and local communities ultimately influences the growth and development of both entities in either constructive or undesirable ways. The study discussed in this article examined the nature, benefits, challenges, and opportunities of universitycommunity engagement (UCE) at the University of Gondar in Ethiopia. The study employed a descriptive qualitative research design. Specifically, the researchers utilized a purposive sampling technique to select participants and conducted key informant interviews and focus group discussions to collect data, which were analyzed using thematic data analysis. Findings indicated that both university and community participants confirmed that working in collaboration to share resources and expertise was mutually beneficial. The findings also suggest that there are a number of challenges that constrain the success of campus-community collaboration. The authors explore the need to address these challenges and how the University of Gondar can utilize opportunities to promote meaningful and successful UCE.

Challenges to Implementing Partnerships in a College of Teachers’ Education and Secondary Schools in Hosanna Town, Southern Ethiopia

“…In his finding, Mekango (2013) stressed that financial constraints are challenges to developing partnerships in Ethiopia. The findings also conform to Desta and Belay (2018) who indicated that a lack of resources (financial and human) is considered a challenge.…”