25 Midwifery Students on the Cusp of Graduation

The Final Hurdle

This month saw 25 Hamlin midwifery students complete their final clinical placements, as they ready for their graduation with a Bachelor of Science (Midwifery) from the Hamlin College of Midwives on 14th July 2019.

This was the final hurdle in four years of study and hard work for the students . In the coming weeks, they will take up positions at one of over 50 Hamlin-supported midwifery clinics in all corners of rural Ethiopia, bringing their world-class education and skills to tens of thousands of pregnant women who have never been able to access such care before.

The soon-to-be graduates will bring the total number of Hamlin midwives working across Ethiopia to 170 – all funded by the generosity of our donors. They are the vital link in achieving Dr Catherine Hamlin’s dream of eradicating fistula. Forever.

Contributing to the Growing Trend of Midwives

These graduates are part of a hopeful trend in the numbers of midwives in Ethiopia in the past decade – from 1,275 in 2008, to 6,925 in 2013, according to the United Nations Population Fund. Still, 70% of Ethiopian mothers continue to have their babies at home, with no more than a traditional local birthing assistant for help at best. 

Hamlin Midwives aim to change this situation and end childbirth injuries by providing the most accessible, highly skilled and culturally respectful care. The students all come from rural schools, have completed long clinical placements in their home regions as part of their rigorous degrees, and will shortly return to these regions where they can make the biggest difference. 

“You all are our ambassadors in proving the quality training we have been delivering to our students and I am confident that you practically show this at the respective rural clinics you will be staying for the next two months. Stick to your mission, face the challenges and come back with winning results for your graduation,” the Vice-Dean of the Hamlin College of Midwives, Sister Marit, told the students as they left for their final placements.

We can’t wait to hear more about the stories and achievements of these new midwives in the years to come. You can learn more about the incredible work of our students at the Hamlin College of Midwives here.

Author: Jacqui Hawkins – Health Writer and Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation volunteer.