Personal profile

Mr. Cham Ojulu

PLACE OF BIRTH: ATHEERO VILLAGE
PUCHAL OLURA KEBELE
GOG WOREDA, PINYWUDO TOWN,
GAMBELLA REGION
NATIONALITY: ETHIOPIAN
LANGUAGES: ENGLISH, AMHARIC, ANYWAA
 1. Introduction
My name is Cham Ojulu Othow, one of the known tiny boy from the gilo river community
and my life is a journey shaped by resilience, learning, and service. Born and raised in the
Gambella region of Ethiopia, I grew up in Atheero Village, along the fertile lands nourished
by the Gilo River. From my earliest years, I was immersed in the rhythms of rural life—
farming, fishing, hunting, and living in harmony with the land and community. Yet alongside
this simple upbringing, I nurtured big dreams: to pursue education, to serve in medicine, and
to dedicate my life to advancing the well-being of my people.

This autobiography is not merely a record of my past, but a reflection of my values,

achievements, and vision. It is a story of how childhood experiences, academic journeys,
professional responsibilities, and community engagements have shaped me into who I am
today: a medical professional, an educator, a researcher, and above all, a servant of my
community and country.
Contents
Mr. Cham Ojulu..............................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................2
1. Early Life In Atheero Village......................................................................4
4. Passion for Learning................................................................................6
5. Community Engagement and Advocacy........................................................6
6. Personal Values and Vision........................................................................7
7. Conclusion – A Life of Purpose and Service...................................................7
 2. Early Life In Atheero Village
I was born in Atheero Village, Gambella region—a community blessed with fertile soils,
rivers, and lakes, where traditions remain deeply rooted. My parents were farmers, and like
many children, I grew up assisting them in tending to crop, particularly sorghum and maize
which were our main staples. Farming was not only a means of livelihood but also a lesson in
patience, resilience, and the value of hard work.

My childhood was also defined by experiences of fishing and hunting. I vividly remember
trips with family and friends to Lake Abol and Lake Aludhi, as well as smaller lakes near
villages such as Puchala Olura and Obwoa. Fishing was both a source of food and a way to
bond with my community, teaching me patience and observation. Hunting large wild animals
and other small animals with older youth instilled in me courage and respect for teamwork.

Life in Atheero was modest but fulfilling. We had limited material wealth, but we lived with
a richness of community spirit, cultural identity, and closeness to nature. These early
years grounded me with values I carry to this day: humility, perseverance, and solidarity with
others.

3. Education Journey
My formal education began at Pinywudo Gilo Bethel Primary School, where I took my first
steps into structured learning. Later, I continued at Puchala Primary School and then Okedi
Primary School, completing my basic education. These schools, though under-resourced,
offered me a doorway to knowledge. I was often among the top of my class, driven by a
desire to make my parents proud and to seize the rare opportunity of schooling available to
children in rural Gambella.

High school was a turning point. I specialized in the natural sciences, motivated by a
fascination with biology and chemistry. Despite limited laboratory resources, I nurtured my
dream of entering the medical field. My teachers recognized my determination, and I became
not only a diligent student but also a role model for younger peers.
That determination carried me to Debre Tabor University, where I pursued a bachelor’s
degree in medical Anaesthesia. University life was a world apart from village life—filled
with academic challenges, diverse peers, and leadership opportunities. I engaged deeply in
my coursework and clinical training, and I also developed communication and leadership
skills that extended beyond the classroom. My time at Debre Tabor University cemented my
identity as both a professional and a lifelong learner.

Later, my academic journey expanded when I was accepted into the University of Gondar,
where I pursued a master’s degree in advanced clinical Anaesthesia and Critical Care.
This postgraduate training exposed me to advanced practices, research methodologies, and
critical care systems. It sharpened my expertise and deepened my resolve to bridge the gap
between Ethiopia’s healthcare needs and the available resources.

4. Professional Career
Upon graduation, I joined Debre Tabor University as an assistant lecturer and clinical
anaesthetist. After completing my master’s degree, I returned to serve as a senior lecturer,
teaching theoretical and practical anaesthesia courses and mentoring students navigating
complex medical training. Watching students grow into competent practitioners remains one
of the most rewarding aspects of my career.

My professional path later brought me to Marie Stopes Ethiopia, where I am working in

maternal health services, Adama, during a period when war in the Amhara region affected my
career trajectory. Here, I witnessed the critical importance of safe motherhood, family
planning, and reproductive health education. This experience underscored that medicine is
not only about treatment but also about compassion, prevention, and empowerment.

In clinical settings, I developed expertise in anaesthesia, critical care, and emergency

response, handling diverse cases from surgical operations to obstetric emergencies—each
decision carrying life-or-death consequences. These responsibilities sharpened my ability to
perform under pressure and reinforced my commitment to excellence.
 5. Passion for Learning
Beyond my formal education, I have always been a self-directed learner. I spend much of
my free time reading books on medicine, public health, psychology, and leadership. One
influential book I recently read is The Law of Attraction, which reshaped how I think about
mindset, focus, and self-determination.

Reading and reflection are more than hobbies for me; they are essential parts of how I grow.
Every book, research article, or lecture adds a new layer to my understanding of the world
and strengthens my ability to innovate and lead in healthcare. My hunger for knowledge is
what drives me to pursue further education.

6. Community Engagement and

Advocacy
My identity is deeply tied to my community in Gambella. Beyond clinical work, I have
actively engaged in awareness campaigns, health education, and youth mentorship. I
have worked to raise awareness about maternal health, disease prevention, and the
importance of education in rural areas.

As an indigenous Anywaa, I also carry the responsibility of cultural preservation and

representation.
Discussion with youths and women about the social determinants of health in Dimma
woreda, Gambella.

7. Personal Values and Vision

At the core of my life are values that shape my decisions: service, integrity, justice, and
excellence. I see my profession not as a career but as a calling to serve humanity.

My vision for Gambella is of a region where education is accessible, healthcare is inclusive,

youth are empowered, and communities coexist in peace. For Ethiopia as a whole, I dream of
a nation where diversity is celebrated as strength, public health is prioritized, and young
professionals are empowered to lead.

My mission is to bridge the gap between knowledge and action. Through medical service,
teaching, and research, I want to transform ideas into impact. With further training in public
health, I aspire to shape policies that address root causes of health challenges and ensure
marginalized voices are included in decision-making.

8. Conclusion
Looking back, my journey from a boy in Atheero Village to a trained clinician and educator
has been one of resilience, determination, and purpose. Every challenge I faced and every
lesson I learned has prepared me for the mission I now embrace: to serve my people and
contribute to the transformation of my community and country.

My life reflects not only my own struggles and growth but also the hopes of many in
marginalized regions. I carry a responsibility to ensure that education, healthcare, and justice
become realities for all, not privileges for a few.
As I continue forward, I remain guided by service, integrity, justice, and excellence. These
values remind me that success is not measured by titles or wealth, but by the positive impact
on lives and communities.

This is my calling: to heal, to educate, to advocate, and to lead with humility. My journey
continues—not for myself alone, but for the generations to come, for the communities I love,
and for the vision of a better tomorrow.