Secondary Teachers' Seminar Focuses on Ethics and Conflict Resolution (10/31/07)

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy, in collaboration with the Addis Ababa Bureau of Education, sponsored a day-long seminar on “Ethics in Government and Democracy” and “Conflict and Conflict Resolution in the school setting” with over 90 secondary school directors from the Addis Ababa government secondary schools on October 31, 2007 at the Addis Ababa Bureau of Education.  Professor Mekonen Haddis, poet and educator, presented topics related to ethics in government and democracy and how to create an environment in the schools which allows all students, regardless of gender, ethnicity and religion, equal access to educational opportunities.  Professor Mekonen recited and discussed his poems “A Requirement for Progress,” “The Secret” and “Amazing.”  The poems speak of his dreams for a just and free society which progresses because of its liberated citizens who practice democracy.

Cultural Affairs Section staff also presented the activities of their respective offices, explaining U.S. government-sponsored educational programs, educational advising and cultural exchange activities.  Information Resource Center (IRC) Director also explained the services which IRC provides and invited the school directors, their students and their teachers to use the services.