U.S. Supports Ethiopia’s Education Initiative

February 28, 2007
No. 12/07

Addis Ababa (U.S. Embassy) – As part of its ongoing commitment to support Ethiopia’s educational system, the United States government facilitated a donation of more than 16,000 books for the Ministry of Education.  The books are destined for use in 13 universities across the country. 

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funded the shipping cost to Ethiopia for books from the Brother’s Brother Foundation through the International Foundation for Education and Self-Help (IFESH), an NGO based in Arizona, USA. 

Speaking at a handover ceremony at the Ministry of Education, USAID/Ethiopia Mission Director Glenn Anders said that “This donation, made possible by the Brothers-Brother Foundation based in the United States, complements the great work of IFESH to enhance teaching and learning in Ethiopia’s teacher education institutions and universities.  USAID and the American people are proud work in partnership with the Ministry of Education”  Also attending the ceremony were Minister of Education, Dr. Sintayehu Woldemichael, and State Minister for Higher Education, Dr. Adhana Haile.

IFESH/Ethiopia has worked in Ethiopia since 1995.  In the IFESH “Teachers for Africa” program, volunteer teachers from America support the Ministry of Education’s initiative to change the traditional lecture method and teacher-dominated classroom setting to an active and student learner method. Working with Ethiopian counterparts, American volunteers have trained primary school teachers, organized girls’ and English language clubs, HIV/AIDS prevention groups, role model projects and computer training programs for students and teachers.  Their work not only transfers new knowledge and skills, but also serves as a cultural exchange.  In the last ten years, nearly 140 IFESH volunteer teachers have been assigned at 39 educational institutions and to the Ministry of Education.  Nearly 50,000 students, teachers and community members in Ethiopia have directly benefited from the volunteer teachers.  

The IFESH program, funded by USAID, complements USAID’s Basic Education Program to improve the quality of primary education in Ethiopia.   Providing educational materials and supplies is an important part of the IFESH program.  To date, nearly 30 shipping containers of books have been distributed to teacher training institutions and universities.  In the last three years alone, books worth over US $2 million have been donated.  

Press Contact: Kimberly Flowers
Telephone: 091-150-0414
Email: kiflowers@usaid.gov