The Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology (EGST) and Helsingborg Parish in Sweden renewed their ongoing cooperation on Wednesday September 18, 2019 at EGST. The agreement was signed during an official work visit team led by Mr Tomas Andersson, Ekonomichef (Chief Finance Officer) of the Parish and EGST Director, Revd. Dr. Misgana Mathewos.
EGST Director officially welcomed the team and extended his gratitude for the outstanding contributions of the parish in helping female scholarships and other meaningful engagements with EGST. Mr Tomas in his part emphasized that ‘we will work and pray that our partnership will deepen and continue to bear fruit’. He further expressed his appreciation for the integrated implementation model of EGST in maximizing results which they learn from the partnership. 
In a video recorded message to EGST, the Rector, Area Dean of Helsingborg Parish, Kristian Lillo, stated that ‘the way you [EGST] master in serving churches and society is a role model for us.’ He added that ‘we are both physically and spiritually connected together and have embarked on a joint journey of prayer and exchange’. The visiting team include Mr Kent Kvist, Mrs Katharina Sparre and Mrs Lis who is a deacon in the Parish.
The scope of the partnership includes female student scholarship support, backup assistance to the maternal and child health project through the Act Church of Sweden and exchange sharing events by the two organizations. Both institutions reviewed the past achievements, discussed on current status and issues of common concern, and proposed areas of mutual interest for the future. The renewed agreement covers the period 2019-2023.
The visiting team further met scholarship beneficiary students at EGST, and mothers and children in Holeta maternal and child health project site implemented in partnership with the Ethiopian Mekane Yesus Chruch Development and Social Services Commission (EECMY DASSC).