20 new students at the College

The Hamlin College of Midwives welcomed another 20 students in 2018

Following rigorous screening processes, the Hamlin College of Midwives welcomed another 20 young women for the 2018/19 academic year. The incoming cohort was selected from rural high schools in the four regions of Ethiopia, where midwifery skills are desperately needed. Based on the College criteria, all the girls scored well in the national government universities’ entrance exam and were outstanding performers in their respective high schools.

After completing registration, the students spent the first two introductory weeks learning the College’s culture and principles, visiting the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, and partaking in a tour of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital.

“I found it more than what I expected,” says Tsinat, one of the newcomers from the East Ethiopia, “the breathtaking site, the highly-equipped classrooms, the excellent meal service, and the motherly care of the housemothers. I heard about the status of other universities in the country, but Hamlin is different. I am so happy to join Dr Catherine’s lifetime vision and I am now very passionate to contribute my part.”

An exciting four years ahead

The new students have started their first year classes; and competition for the Hamlin Medal, awarded at the end of their degree, is already tight. While only one student among the 20 will receive the prize in four years’ time, they will all graduate as skilled midwives who will make an enormous difference in the maternal healthcare service of rural Ethiopia.

Hamlin midwives save lives and prevent fistula. Dr Catherine Hamlin has always said that ‘the key to a fistula-free world lies in preventative measures.’

We wish our students the very best of luck for their first year at the College.

You can support the important work of Hamlin midwives by contributing to our Christmas Appeal