The first physician in the history of this tribe located at the border of Kenya, Ethiopia and South Sudan.
I was recently invited to the graduation ceremony of my friend, Dr. Soya Kurupa, the first medical doctor in the history of the Nyangatom tribe, who graduated from Jimma University.
Kangaten, the capital of Nyangatom Woreda in south Omo, lies near the borders of Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Sudan. The Nyangatom are mainly pastoralists, with cattle being an important part of their livelihood.
What makes this moment special is not only that he is the first physician from his community, or that he completed medical school while supporting his family of three children. It is the collective sacrifice and commitment of the Nyangatom people and their administration that made this possible.
Seven years ago, when Soya joined medical school, the woreda promised to support him financially throughout his studies. Since then, more than three chief administrators have changed, but their commitment never did. They continued supporting him and more than 10 other students in different fields.
Today, some of these graduates are serving their own community as health officers, nurses, laboratory technicians, accountants, and more. Their people can now access services while communicating freely in their own language.
This is what investing in people looks like. This is solidarity. This is a big win for the Nyangatom people and for the communities of South Omo.
I hope leaders in other communities can learn something from this story.
Thank you to the officials from Jimma University. Dr. Jemal, Ex-president of Jimma Universitu and Dr. Kedir, dean of the school of medicine, Jimma university for joining the ceremony. Your presence was valuable to impose the true meaning of educating generation.
Congratulations, Dr. Soya!
Dr. Nardos Keyema
Quality Director, Jinka General Hospital
@HakimEthio
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