Mattu University has advanced its collaboration with Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung (HRNS) under the Gender Household Approach (GHA) of the EU Yayu DeSIRA Project. Following a signed MoU and detailed refinements to the project proposal "Drama & Art for Gender Household Approach (GHA)," an inception workshop took place on February 14, 2026, at the university's Senate Hall in Mattu, Ethiopia. The event gathered experts from HRNS, experts from different colleges of Mattu University whose areas of specialization relate to drama, art, education, gender studies, and environmental communication, along with key stakeholders, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas.  

Dr. Bedilu Teka, Vice President for Academic, Research, Technology Transfer, and Community Service, and Mr. Habtamu Wendimene, HRNS Field Office Manager for the Mettu branch, graced the occasion. Assistant Professor Tegegn Demissie, the project's Principal Investigator from the Department of English Language and Literature, presented the proposal. It focuses on creating culturally relevant drama and art-based educational materials to promote GHA principles among smallholder farmers in the Yayu Coffee Forest Biosphere Reserve. Deliverables include Afan Oromo scripts with English captions, HD videos (up to 25 minutes), photos, and toolkits addressing gender dynamics, climate resilience, youth/women enterprises, and sustainable farming—overcoming limitations of traditional technical reports.

Participants praised the proposal's design for its urgency in biodiversity hotspots, offering constructive feedback on timelines, logistics, quality assurance, and casting. The project team addressed queries effectively, with Dr. Bedilu Teka and Mr. Habtamu Wendimene closing the workshop by emphasizing collaborative engagement. With deliverables targeted for March 2026 and dissemination through university channels, this initiative promises to scale GHA impacts innovatively for women, youth, and marginalized groups.

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