Ethiopia Adventist College (EAC), soon to become Kuyera Adventist University (KAU), celebrated the historic inauguration of the Ethio-Korean Friendship Cattle Farm Project on September 25, 2025, in Kuyera, Shashemene. The project, developed in partnership with Paul Mission and scholars from Sahmyook University in South Korea, represents a milestone in advancing education, food security, and community development in Ethiopia.
The idea for the cattle farm was first proposed by Dr. Chunsik Park, Professor of Old Testament at Sahmyook University, with the vision of generating sustainable revenue to support the construction of Kuyera Adventist University. In April 2025, Dr. Abraham Dalu (President of EAC/KAU) and Pr. Tadesse Adugna (President of the Eastern Ethiopia Union Mission) visited South Korea for a benchmarking tour of dairy farms, accompanied by Mrs. Aster Giorgis Dalu. They were joined by Dr. Sang Jin Lee, Professor of Animal Reproduction at Sahmyook University, whose expertise contributed to shaping the project. Together, Dr. Park and Dr. Lee became the initiators and developers of this initiative, with Elder Tae-Soon Sohn, CEO of Paul Mission, providing sponsorship.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by 14 Korean delegates led by Elder Sohn, alongside community members, Eastern Ethiopia Union Mission leaders, representatives from the Ethiopian Livestock Development Institute (Holeta Center), and local government officials.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Dalu outlined four key impacts of the project:
- For EAC/KAU: A living laboratory for teaching, research, and innovation, while generating income to support university development.
- For the community: Job creation, skills training, and improved nutrition through access to dairy and beef products.
- For the nation: A model of sustainable cattle farming that strengthens food security and reduces reliance on imports.
- For the global Adventist Church: A testimony of faith in action, demonstrating how Adventist institutions can unite mission, education, and development.
Pr. Tadesse Adugna offered dedicatory remarks, emphasizing the project’s role in supporting the college’s transition to a university and in enhancing community food security. A dedicatory prayer was given by Prof. Abuduro Suleman, President of the South East Ethiopia Field.
Prof. Safawo Gullo, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Ararsa Duguma of the Ethiopian Livestock Development Institute, presented technical details of the farm. Dr. Ararsa praised the commitment of the Korean donors and Ethiopian partners, noting that the project strengthens Ethiopia-Korea relations while advancing education, research, and employment opportunities.
The ceremony featured an inaugural address by Elder Tae-Soon Sohn, followed by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted jointly by Elder Sohn, Dr. Dalu, Pr. Adugna, and Mr. Teshome Mohammed, Administrator of Melka Sirba Sub-City.
Guests toured the cattle farm, viewing the first 14 Holstein Friesian cows, with additional livestock to be purchased soon. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Mardianto Marpaung, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, while Pr. Babiso Gemechu, Vice President for Student Affairs, served as translator.
The Ethio-Korean Friendship Cattle Farm stands as a symbol of international collaboration and faith-driven development. It will serve as a catalyst for education, food security, and community transformation—laying a strong foundation for the future Kuyera Adventist University.