As part of its continued efforts to enhance academic and professional competencies among its staff, Bahir Dar University (BDU), successfully conducted a comprehensive five-day English Language Training on “English for Academic and Professional Purposes.”

The training was conducted under the LINK Project—“Establishing Transformative Learning, Research and Community Outreach and Capacities in Agroecology”—funded by the Austrian Partnership Programme in Higher Education and Research for Development (APPEAR). The project is jointly implemented by Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia, and the University College for Agrarian and Environmental Pedagogy (HAUP), Austria.

The training aimed to strengthen the English language proficiency of academic staff members, particularly those from the departments of Agroforestry, Natural Resource Management, and Horticulture. A total of 21 staff members participated in the program, which ran from September 25–26 and September 29–October 1, 2025.

The main objectives of the training were to enhance participants’ proficiency in English for teaching, research, and publication; to prepare them for international English language examinations such as TOEFL and IELTS; and to develop communication skills essential for community engagement in the fields of Agroecology and Agroforestry.

The training was facilitated by two English language teaching experts from the College of Education, BDU - Dr. Zewdu Emiru, the V/President for Information and Strategic Communication, BDU and member of the LINK Project team and Dr. Manendante Mulugeta, Director for External Relations and Partnership, BDU. The sessions were designed to be highly interactive, combining lectures, group discussions, and practical exercises to strengthen academic communication skills.

Over the five days, participants were engaged in multiple thematic sessions:

• English for Academic and Professional Purposes, covering classroom English, academic vocabulary, and professional email writing;
• Aural-Oral Communication and Grammar for Clarity, focusing on effective speaking, listening, and grammatical precision;
• Research and Publication Skills, emphasizing reading and analyzing scientific articles, paraphrasing, and avoiding plagiarism;
• Preparation for Standardized English Tests (TOEFL/IELTS), providing strategies for reading, listening, and writing tasks; and
• English for Community Outreach, helping participants communicate technical knowledge in accessible language for non-specialist audiences.

Throughout the sessions, participants actively practiced language skills contextualized to their disciplines in agriculture and environmental sciences.

Pre- and post-training assessments were conducted to measure participants’ improvement in academic reading and writing. The results showed notable progress in both language competence and confidence in using English for teaching, research, and communication.

A final reflection session, facilitated by Dr. Tesfaye Shiferaw, Assistant Coordinator of the LINK Project, allowed participants to share key takeaways and propose future directions. Participants expressed high satisfaction with the training’s relevance and impact, emphasizing the need for such initiatives to be institutionalized as part of BDU’s regular staff development programs.

The training concluded with a certificate award ceremony recognizing both the participants and trainers for their active engagement and contribution. In his closing remarks, Dr. Zewdu Emiru highlighted the broader significance of language development in academic growth, stating, “Language is not merely a tool for communication; it is a bridge that connects our research and community engagement with the global academic community.”

The LINK Project team reaffirmed its commitment to continuing similar capacity-building initiatives to strengthen BDU’s role as a center of excellence in teaching, research, and community service.