Gambella

I spent the final part of my holiday in Ethiopia in the town of Gambella.  It is one area of Ethiopia which I had never visited before.  It is located on the western tip of the country bordering with Sudan.  The main nationalities of the region are Anuak, Nuer, Mezhenger, Komo and Opo. The economy of Gambella is based on agriculture, pastoral, beekeeping and imported industrial products.

My first visit was to Pukung, which is a small town about 70 kilometres east of Gambella.  Most of its residents are from the Komo tribe, but a small number of Anuak also live there. Here I was able to visit their homes, meet with the people, learn about their culture and find out about beekeeping. The Komo men entertained me by playing some traditional instruments and performing a dance.

My second visit was to the Nuer People in the West of the region. I first saw some of them in the market selling fish. Then I visited them in their homes. The village chief arranged for the children to perform a stick dance for me and some of the ladies also joined in.

My final visit was to the Anuak tribe in the centre of Gambella. Here one of the ladies was dressed in the traditional Anuak outfit.

I enjoyed my visit and learning about so many different cultures.

Changes in Ethiopia

Last week I returned to Ethiopia for a two week holiday.  So far, I have spent some time in Finote Selam, Bahir Dar and Addis Ababa.

In Finote Selam, I caught up with many of my friends from the Teachers’ College.  It was lovely to see everyone after a year and catch up on all their news.

I had an interesting discussion with Ato Molla (the Dean of the College), who updated me on all the changes.  It was good to hear that the number of students and staff at the college has grown considerably and the programmes I was working on are continuing well. I was also pleased to hear that the college is diversifying and it is now offering courses in Early Childhood Development and Special Educational Needs.

I was interested to see how the town had changed one year after my last visit and I was pleased to note some quite dramatic changes!  Across the town there were many new buildings being constructed, including new hotels.  There were also lots of new administrative offices.  Many roads had been created and the pedestrian bridge which was being worked on while I was still living there, was finally in operation (even though it wasn’t 100% finished!)  There was also a new bank and a very impressive looking church.

There were also many changes in Bahir Dar, with new buildings and new roads. The most notable change was the introduction of several top-end hotels. This would suggest that tourism is growing in the city. Perhaps, this is not surprising as Ethiopia was named the world’s best destination for tourists in 2015, by the European Council on Tourism and Trade. Bahir Dar also now has the tallest five star hotel in Ethiopia, at 19 storeys high. I was also interested to see that the Kuriftu Resort (where I used to spend Christmas Day), now has a second branch in the city.

Addis Ababa looked incredibly different with the introduction of the light rail network. It stretches from the North to the South of the Capital.   It opened in September this year and was designed to relieve the congestion in the city, (as there are now more than five million residents living there).  As well as the new tram system, there were also many new constructions across the city.

As Ethiopia has one of the world’s fastest growing economies, it was perhaps not surprising to see that these changes were taking place.

VSO Hyperbole

Volunteers and staff from VSO Ethiopia produce a magazine four times a year, called the Hyperbole. It includes various articles about life as a volunteer. I was approached by one of the editors, who wanted to include a report on my recent return to Finote Selam. If you click on the link below, you will be able to read the latest edition:

Hyperbole Spring Edition 2015

Sustainability

Whilst, I was back in Ethiopia, as well as catching up with friends I was also keen to see the long term impact of VSO’s work in Finote Selam.

The Teachers’ College has had five VSO volunteers (including me!) between February 2011 and July 2014. We worked in areas such as The Higher Diploma Programme, Continuous Professional development, School/College Linkage, English Language Improvement and ICT. There are currently no volunteers in Finote Selam. All volunteers were given the challenge of ensuring that their work was sustainable and eventually taken over by local staff. I was therefore keen to see if we had achieved this aim.

Higher Diploma Programmme

My main role at the Teachers’ College was to introduce the Higher Diploma Programme. This was a compulsory course for teacher educators to upgrade their skills and professionalism, and encourage child-centred methodologies.  During my final few months at the college, I worked with Ewunetie (the Staff Development Co-ordinator) training him to take on this role.  Upon my return it was great to see that the Higher Diploma Programme had gone from strength to strength.  Ewunetie invited me to observe one of his classes and I was very impressed with the way he modelled active learning and acted as an excellent role model for his candidates.

Encouraging active learning

Recording group ideas

Presenting ideas

Visual aids on display

Continuous Professional Development

At the time I was doing my VSO placement, Continuous Professional Development (CPD) was very new in Ethiopia.  In fact, we were the first college in the country to pilot a CPD programme.  The College recognises this is still an area to work on.  However, it was good to hear that a programme has been prepared for the coming year and aspects of English Language Improvement have been incorporated into the schedule.

School/College Linkage

During the time I was in Finote Selam, Pat, Kate and I spent a lot of time visiting schools, delivering training and carrying out demonstration lessons.  Upon my return I visited four of the local schools (Finote Selam Junior, Frenn, Bakel and Ediget Ber).  Whilst I was there I had the opportunity to observe teach some of the final year practicum students from the Teachers’ College.  It was interesting to be able to compare the quality of their teaching to what I observed three years ago.  I am pleased to say that although I observed a variety of lessons (some good and some not so good!), overall there was a definite improvement.  I was pleased to see a shift from teacher-centred to student-centred learning.

English Language Improvement Programme

During the latter part of my placement Kate and I worked with Yechale (the English Language Improvement Co-ordinator), trying to improve the English language ability of staff and students.  Upon my return, I had a positive conversation with Yechale, where he shared with me his plans for the coming year.  He also invited me to attend his discussion club.  When I worked at the college, various clubs were available for students, but they tended to have quite low attendance.  It was therefore great to see that two years later the room was full of students trying to improve their English.

In Summary

It was lovely to have the opportunity to return to Finote Selam and see all the progress which has been made.  This was achieved as a result of positive team work from a very supportive management team, committed staff and of course VSO!

Changes in Finote Selam

When returning to Ethiopia, as well as wanting to catch up with my friends, I was also keen to see how Finote Selam (the town I lived in for more than two years) had changed.

The most significant differences were at the Teachers’ College. When I left eighteen months ago, a new building had been constructed, but was unfinished. Lessons were taking place in the new classrooms, but all the other buildings were not yet open. Upon my return, it was good to see that the staff had moved into the administration block and the students were using the new library and hall. I was also particularly impressed with some amazing sculptures, which had been created by the art department, helping to make it a more pleasant environment. Inevitably, though, there was still more work that needed to be done. The computers were being run by a generator, as electricity had not yet been connected at the college. There was also no canteen for staff or students, although there were plans being made to set one up.

Whilst I was in Finote Selam, I also visited the old Teachers’ College for nostalgia sake! Sadly, the building was empty and the grounds were looking somewhat overgrown. There was some talk of it being turned into a school in the future. If this happens, that would be a very positive move.

The new college

The library

Inside the library

Students choosing books

Administration block

Hall

Sculptures

The old college

Looking run down

Overgrown

In the town itself, there were also some changes. When I first arrived in February 2011, it was only the main road through the town which was tarmacked. All the side streets were made up of dirt tracks. It was good to see that now several of the side roads have been cobble stoned; this will make life a lot easier for the locals during the rainy season. When I left, a new bridge was being built over the River Lah. This has not yet been completed, but it has at least moved forward! The Government has recently set up a scheme whereby residents can build their own homes, as such there were several new houses in the town. There was also a new private school, lots of different shops and restaurants and the Commercial Bank (the main bank of Ethiopia) had moved to new premises.

Cobblestoned roads

New bridge

New houses

New private school

New shops

New restaurants

New bank

It was good to see that development in Finote Selam is continuing.

Return to Ethiopia

I have just returned to Malawi after a two week holiday in Ethiopia. I originally left the country in April 2013 having contracted Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia). As I was very ill and had to leave suddenly, I did not have the opportunity to say goodbye to all the people I had been working with. Therefore, upon my return, I was very keen to meet up with the friends that I made during the two years and three months that I was there.

Once my plane arrived in Addis, I got a connecting flight to Bahir Dar and then the bus to Finote Selam. I was immediately made very welcome and invited to numerous coffee ceremonies and meals at friends’ houses.

My landlord’s family: Netsanet, Abeba and Solomon

Receiving a gift from Netsanet

The family who lived next door to me

Visiting Ewunetie and Aster’s house, with Debritu. Ewunetie is now leading the Higher Diploma Programme at the Teachers’ College

Dinner with Molla (the Dean of the college) and Ewunetie at Damot Hotel

Visiting Yechale’s House. Yechale is the English language Improvement Co-ordinator at the College.

Visiting Wondale’s house

I spent Christmas Day in Finote Selam. Despite, Ethiopian Christmas not being until 7th January, Assefa (the manager of the hotel I was staying at) was keen to make the day special for me. He even gave me a free Christmas dinner. When I asked him why, he said it was because we like you and we miss you!

With Assefa (the manager of Damot Hotel) and Ewunetie

On my last day in Finote Selam, I was invited to the HDP (Higher Diploma Programme) Graduation. This was the programme that I led during my time in Ethiopia. It is now being run very efficiently by Ewunetie (the college’s staff development co-ordinator). Some of the staff I worked with were included in the ceremony. I was given the honour of presenting the certificates along with Molla (the College Dean).

At the end of the ceremony, the staff had a special farewell for me. They said as they were not able to do this when I left, they wanted to do it upon my return! Ewunetie gave a very touching speech with the following message:

“Leaving is not always easy but it has to be done sometimes. We wish you lots of success on your further way.”
The news of your departure surprised us all. We will miss you, but realize that exciting opportunities and challenges await you. It has been an honour to be your colleague for the past 2 and half years. We have all benefited from your wit and wisdom and wish you every success on your career path. We have very much enjoyed getting to know you. Your excellent mind, fine work ethic, commitment and your integrity will serve you well throughout your life. Bless You.

They had a special farewell cake for me.

Ewunetie, Debritu and the cake!

They also presented me with a lovely traditional Ethiopian outfit.

Cutting the cake in my Ethiopian outfit!

With Molla and the college staff

Although the majority of my time was spent in Finote Selam, I did spend a few days in Bahir Dar.  I travelled here with Ewunetie as he was on his way to a HDP conference.

Ewunetie enjoying traditional Ethiopian Injera

Whilst I was in Bahir Dar, I was able to catch up with Barbara (who is a VSO Volunteer at the Regional Education Bureau) and her husband, John.  We had a nice meal at the Kuriftu Resort, which is where I used to spend Christmas and New Year.

Barbara and John

Also, while I was in Bahir Dar, I met up with some of the staff who were originally at the Teachers’ College in Finote Selam, but now have new jobs.

Abiyot (the former Vice Dean) and his daughter. Abiyot now works for Save the Children.  We had a nice meal at Lake Shore restaurant by Lake Tana.

Kebede (art teacher at the College) has been seconded to work as an illustrator for the Ministry of Education and USAID.

I then returned to Addis briefly, where I met up with Judy (VSOE’s longest serving volunteer!).  She has been working in Ethiopia for six years!  We met at the Pride Bar, which traditionally has been a meeting point for volunteers when they visit Addis.

Judy

I also made a visit to the new VSO programme office.  Although, many of the staff were on holiday, it was good to hear (from those who were there!) about the changes in VSO.  I was surprised to hear that the number of volunteers are now less than 40 and the majority of these are working in health.  When I was in Ethiopia, there were around 150 of us (including youth volunteers).  However, they are in the process of setting up a new programme, so they are  expecting many new volunteers to arrive in the near future.

The new VSO programme office

Catching up with Demiss (a previous VSO member of staff)

I had an amazing time back in Ethiopia and it reminded me how fortunate I was to work with such special people.

My Adventures in Malawi

From May 2014, I will be living and working in Zomba (Southern Malawi).  I have been employed by the Board of Governors at Sir Harry Johnston International Primary School.  I will work as a class teacher for the summer term.  Then in September, I will take on the role of Headteacher.

I have set up a new blog where I will write about ‘My Adventures in Malawi.’ The web address is http://jelford3.wordpress.com. You can access it by clicking on the link.

If you would like to be informed when I write a new blog post, please click on the green ‘FOLLOW’’ box (which you will find on the home page of my new site) and add your email address.  You will then receive a confirmation email from WordPress. If you click on the link in the message, you will receive an email every time I add a new post.

I hope you enjoy reading about my new adventures!

My Adventures in the United Arab Emirates

I have set up a new blog where I will write about ‘My Adventures in the United Arab Emirates.’ To access it, you just need to click here.

Once you have clicked on the link, you can add your e-mail address to the ‘Follow Blog Via Email’ box (which you will find on the right of the screen). You will then be informed every time I add a new post.

I hope you enjoy reading about my new adventures!

Farewell Ethiopia

I have now been back in the UK for three months and have recovered well from the bilharzia. Unfortunately, I won’t be returning to Ethiopia, as I was due to finish my placement in August anyway. It was sad not to have the opportunity to say goodbye to my friends and colleagues. However, I will keep in touch with many of them and I am sure that I will go back for a visit sometime in the future. To mark the end of my time in Ethiopia, I am going to look back at some of my two years and three months.

I lived in Finote Selam, which was a small town in Western Ethiopia, from February 2011 to April 2013.

Finote Selam

Outside my first home

I was the Higher Diploma Leader at Finote Selam College of Teacher’s Education.

Finote Selam Teacher’s College

The Higher Diploma Programme (HDP) was a compulsory course for teacher educators to upgrade their skills and professionalism, and encourage child-centred methodologies.

Leading the Higher Diploma Programme

As well as leading the HDP, I also planned and delivered Continuous Professional Development for lecturers who had achieved the qualification.

CPD Class

During my final year at the college, I trained staff to take on these roles, so that my work would be sustainable.

Ewunetie is now leading the Higher Diploma Programme

In my spare time, I supported the college’s English Language Improvement Programme. I taught a Communicative English Module, provided training for third year practicum students, helped set up an English Language Improvement Centre, launched a weekly English day and set up numerous language clubs.

Speaking and listening club

I also carried out an extensive amount of work in the 13 cluster schools linked to the college. I regularly taught lessons, modelling a student-centred approach.

Teaching in primary schools

Frenn School

I also delivered training on lesson planning, active learning and continuous assessment.

Delivering training workshops

I ran clubs for both primary and secondary aged children and provided English language support for the local prison school.

Running an English club

I taught ICT to grade 8 students.

Computer lessons

Outside of Finote Selam, I supported the Stride Athletics Club, in Yirgalem, with their summer English language programme.

My English Class

Active learning

I was the Vice Chair of the VSO Volunteer Committee and led induction training for new volunteers on two separate occasions. I also helped to organise a volunteer conference.

Volunteer Committee

VSO Ethiopia Volunteers

I travelled around Ethiopia whilst I was there, visiting tourist attractions right across the country.

Visit to Lake Zengena with Yimegnutal and Mulugeta

Visit to the Blue Nile Falls with Molla (the Dean)

I observed religious celebrations such as Meskel and Timkat.

Timkat in Gondar with Rashidah

I visited the rock-hewn churches in Lalibela.

Church of St George, Lalibela

I met the tribes of the Lower Omo Valley.

The Mursi Tribe

I even saw a Jumping of the Bulls Ceremony.

Jumping the Bulls!

I saw plenty of wildlife.

Zebras in Nechisar National Park

Crocodiles in Lake Chamo

I had new experiences: horse riding… camel riding… and feeding hyenas!

Horse riding at Lake Wenchi

Camel ride in Axum

Feeding hyenas in Harar

I spent Christmas and New Year in Bahir Dar.

Christmas at Kuriftu

New Year Celebrations

I had a special birthday celebration in Finote Selam.

My birthday party

I had an amazing time in Ethiopia, made lots of new frends and have lots of memories to look back on.

Children in Ethiopia

As in much of sub-Saharan Africa, Ethiopian parents often put their children to work for a variety of purposes. Boys are sent into the fields, shine shoes or sell goods on street corners. Girls sell spices in the market or work as domestic servants.

At home girls help their mothers by completing tasks such as sweeping the house and fetching water. Boys help with tasks such as chopping wood.

Unlike in most African nations, school in Ethiopia is free. However, many children still need to combine school and work to help support their families.

Fishing

Ploughing the fields

Farming

Market trader

Street seller

Making coffee

Washing clothes

Carrying water

Shining shoes

Tailor

When boys are not at school or work, they spend time playing with their friends. Popular sports are football, basketball and swimming. They also enjoy outdoor activities and spend many hours climbing trees and creating their own games. Most towns have a table football game or a pool table; these are very popular. Girls traditionally spend their time at home and are rarely seen out and about.

Creating their own entertainment

Athletics

Great jump!

Football

Climbing trees

Fishing with a home- made rod

Playing with a toy

Wearing a headband made out of phone cards

Swimming

Having fun

Diving