Secondary Students Wrap Up Two-Year Program in English Study and `Life Skills’

February 17, 2007
No. 10/07

Addis Ababa (U.S. Embassy) – A group of hard-working secondary students celebrated the completion of year one of a two-year program of part-time study in English and ‘life skills’ today at Alem Cinema, along with their families and teachers.  These students are part of a U.S. Embassy-sponsored program that provides after-school and weekend classes in English language, health, entrepreneurship, and computer skills.  The program is funded through a U.S. State Department initiative to promote English language learning in countries around the world.

Called ‘Stepping up to the Future,’ the program encourages students to prepare themselves early for work and life, by teaching them skills that are not always emphasized in formal schools.  For example, in their first year, the students learned how to design a business plan for a small enterprise.  During the summer between the first and second years of the program, students undertook summer internships with local businesses in Addis. Through these experiences, they gained exposure to the working world, and a better understanding of what they need to do, and learn, in order to be ready for a future career. 

U.S. Ambassador Don Yamamoto presented certificates to seventy-seven students who for the past year have spent one evening a week plus every Saturday at the Study Center, in addition to their regular studies.  The Ambassador congratulated them on their hard work and dedication, and recognized their parents and families as well, noting that the support and encouragement of parents and family is an important component of academic success.

“Ensuring the future success of Ethiopia’s youth requires a commitment from many different players – the public sector, the private sector, individuals, and institutions both local and international,” said General Manager of The Study Center, Ato Seif Tewfik at the event.  Ato Seif mentioned that private and public sector employers in Ethiopia may be unaccustomed to the idea of hosting young people as interns in the workplace, and he hopes that more companies and businesspeople will volunteer to host interns from the Study Center program in 2007.  “Young people who have benefited from the program may grow up to run leading-edge companies in Ethiopia, employing 100, 200, or even 1,000 employees.  Helping them get a head start today can have significant impact on Ethiopia’s economic and social development,” he said. 

The Study Center/British International School is an English medium school and English language learning center located on the Ring Road near Bole. 

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