The ECUSTA Blog

Empowering Communities: Inside ECUSTA's Social Work Program Social work is a multidisciplinary helping profession, grounded in core values such as service, social justice, dignity, and integrity. At the Ethiopian Catholic Higher Learning Institute (ECUSTA), the Department of Social Work carries these values forward, preparing graduates to serve individuals, families, and communities across Ethiopia and beyond. A Growing Field in Ethiopian Higher Education Social Work is currently offered at a select group of public and private universities across Ethiopia. Undergraduate programs in Addis Ababa are concentrated at three institutions: Addis Ababa University (AAU), ECUSTA, and St. Mary's University's St. John Campus. Postgraduate education in the discipline remains exclusive to AAU, which offers two distinct academic tracks: a regular program with concentrations in Community Development, Health, and Children, Youth, and Family; and an extension program delivering a com...

A Love Letter to ECUSTA: Pancakes, Dorm Life, and Unbreakable Bonds Dearly beloved, this might be our cliché story, but we feel privileged enough to write a true love letter to our dearest school, ECUSTA. "If we could collectively describe our experience, it would simply be love at first sight." Love at First Sight The first day we all met was dreamy, maybe even a little comical. From small, awkward encounters like putting our belongings into our dorm closets while giving each other shy smiles, to asking where everyone was from, to talking all night about everything like we had known each other in another life. That first evening we went to get dinner at the café, and there was never a dull moment after that. Every single day became a journey toward something exciting. We truly appreciate our college because where else could all of this happen except in our heavenly dorm room? We do not mean this lightly. What makes it so special, you might ask? Strap in for...

Our Little Journey at ECUSTA: Friendships, Sunsets, and Medical Dreams Our little journey at ECUSTA has been wonderful so far. As first-year students preparing for our medical joining year, the university already holds a special place in our hearts. We first heard about ECUSTA through social media and mutual friends. Little did we know that joining this institution would lead us to finding each other. We have made so many memories together, and we quickly realized a profound truth about connection: "It is not about how long the friendship is, but how random people decide to be friends and how they make you feel understood and loved." That quote perfectly describes our time here. In a very short period, we have created memories that will always be part of our lives. One of our favorite parts of ECUSTA is its peaceful and friendly environment. We often step out of our dorm around 5:00 PM to simply enjoy the view of the sunset and listen to the birds singing. That...

On May 8, 2026, ECUSTA HLI held a powerful panel discussion featuring top-scoring doctors who graduated this year. The session focused on real-life experiences, as the graduates shared their journey through university life — the challenges they faced, the pressure they managed, and the habits that helped them succeed. Their stories felt real and relatable, giving students a clear picture of what it takes to reach the top. Rather than focusing solely on their achievements, these new doctors opened up about the human side of their journey. “Success doesn’t come overnight. It takes focus and consistency every day,” one graduate shared. Students who attended described the discussion as both motivating and practical. It gave them a clearer idea of what they need to do to improve and stay committed to their goals. Moments like this remind students that success is not just about talent, but about effort, patience, and learning from others who have already gone through the journey. This also ...

As fellow freshman students joining university for the first time, what we all thought about during the application period was finding a college with both academic quality and modernized facilities that make the learning experience exciting and engaging. ECUSTA HLI not only matched but, in certain areas, surpassed our expectations as first-time college-attending students. Safety and Comfort in Dormitory Life One of the standout features is the tidy and comfortable dormitory service for female students, which provides a strong sense of safety and security that has a profound, positive impact on our educational journey. Well-Managed Campus Facilities The university’s facilities are well-maintained and monitored by responsible personnel. Every sector, from the dormitories to the canteens and classroom venues, is well-equipped and established precisely to meet the needs of both students and lecturers. An Upbringing and Supportive Community The university community is very uplift...