The Study Center Launches Micro-scholarship Program in Partnership with U.S. Embassy: English competence key to economic success

May 20, 2006
No. 13/06

Addis Ababa (U.S. Embassy) -- The Study Center inaugurated a new English scholarship program on May 20 at Alem Cinema.  The Study Center, an English Medium School and English language learning center located on the Ring Road near Bole, is working in partnership with the United States Embassy in Addis Ababa to carry out a program sponsored by the U.S. State Department to promote English language learning in Ethiopia.

Eighty deserving students in the 10th and 11th grades are currently complementing their studies at government high schools with approximately 5 hours per week of extra course work at The Study Center, concentrating on English Language, Computing, Entrepreneurship and Life Skills.  Called ‘Stepping up to the Future,’ one of the program’s aims is to encourage students to interface with local business and industry.  As part of their course, students connect with mentors in the local business community, and gain work experience through internships with local companies.

Half of the eighty scholarship recipients are female, with all ethnic and religious groups represented.  The students were selected from ten public high schools around Addis Ababa through a competitive process.

Dr Anthony Fisher, the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Counselor, recently announced the plan to extend this program to Harar for the coming academic year. 

During the inauguration ceremony, the students presented a Business Plan they have developed as part of their curriculum.  They stated that they are learning about the world of business by pretending to form a small venture like the many thousands around the city of Addis. They hope that an understanding of the world of work, coupled with strong academics and English skills will enable them to become business leaders of the future. 

In his remarks at the launching ceremony, the General Manager of The Study Center, Ato Seif Tewfik, expressed the hope that if they become heads of leading-edge companies that employ 100, 200 or even 1,000 employees here in Ethiopia, these young people will someday make a significant impact on the country’s economy. 

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