Born and raised in Wonji, a town in central Ethiopia, Selamawit always wanted to study. Her dream began to come true when she enrolled in the St. Luke’s school of nursing and midwifery in Wolisso, south of Addis Ababa, 200 km from her home. For three years, Selamawit has shown exceptional dedication: she devotes her days to her studies, actively participates in various extracurricular projects, eagerly assists more experienced nurses, and constantly compares her progress with her peers. She seizes every opportunity to learn more. In 2009, she earned a degree in nursing. It was only the first step toward that goal she had had since childhood because about five years later, she was still in Wolisso and managed to graduate with honours. Many people noticed Selamawit’s tenacity and abilities, and, in fact, in 2014, she was offered a job as a teacher at the same school where she was a student: “The first class I taught was the 3rd year prenatal care students. I did everything possible to create a stimulating learning environment to provide a well-rounded education.” Today, Selamawit Tamirat Tafera is more than a teacher: she is the director of the St. Luke’s school of Nursing and Midwifery. “It was a great joy to get this position. There were however, many difficulties. I had to deal with limited resources, outdated facilities, and the shortage of qualified teaching staff.”

Once again, even as a director, Selamawit tried her best: “I worked closely with the school’s management to source funding from various agencies to improve infrastructure and enhance the learning experience.” Under Selamawit’s leadership, St. Luke’s school has become a benchmark for nursing and midwifery education in the South West Soha Zone. Her innovative teaching methodologies and investment in continuing education for teachers have significantly improved the school’s educational standards. “In addition to improving the educational proposal, I wanted to create a supportive and inclusive educational environment. Today, I can say that I am satisfied with the path that has brought me this far. And I’m also very grateful because I’ve had the opportunity to do my part to improve the preparation of so many male and female students.” The story of Selamawit is a story of passion, commitment and determination. It’s the story of someone who deeply believes in the importance of education for a better future. It’s the story of someone that decided to stay to put herself at the service of her community and her country.