Validation workshop for the Active Learning Pedagogy Guide

The Kalamalka Rotary Club in BC, Canada, has supported a project to enhance the capacity of school leaders and teachers in collaboration with Partners in Education Ethiopia (PiEE). On January 25, PiEE, together with the Amhara Regional Education Bureau, hosted a validation workshop for the Active Learning Pedagogy Guide, featuring over 100 teaching strategies and the Multiple Intelligences concept to support differentiated instruction.

Key figures such as Ato Abiyot Ashenafi, Regional Manager of PiEE, and W/ro Eyerus Mengistu, Deputy Head of the Amhara Regional Education Bureau, highlighted the importance of strengthening teacher leadership and providing effective methods to improve student learning. This initiative aims to create a more engaging education system where both educators and students can thrive.

Bringing Clear Vision to the Classroom

At Sebatamit Primary School, teachers screened 782 students, identifying 9 with vision problems, of whom 6 were diagnosed with refractive errors. By the end of February, these students received their new spectacles, allowing them to see clearly, engage confidently, and excel in their studies. Their gratitude to Operation Eyesight and partners underscores the impact of providing clear vision for a brighter future.

Empowering Students Through Reusable Sanitary Pad Production

Ensuring access to menstrual products is key to keeping students in school. Partners in Education Ethiopia, in collaboration with Bahir Dar University Textile Campus, trained gender club leaders from three high schools in reusable sanitary pad production. Through hands-on learning, participants gained skills in material selection, hygiene maintenance, and cost-effective manufacturing. This initiative empowers students with practical solutions, promoting dignity, sustainability, and uninterrupted education.

PGF 2 Project: Empowering Mothers for a Healthier Future!

Equipping mothers with essential knowledge and practical skills is a powerful step toward healthier communities. On January 31, 2025, we conducted a Mom-to-Mom Group Facilitator Training, preparing 35 participants with key insights on WASH, maternal and child health, nutrition, and eye health. A live cooking demonstration reinforced hands-on learning, ensuring mothers can prepare nutritious meals for their children. With plans to train 200 more mothers and expand community awareness, this initiative is paving the way for lasting health improvements at the grassroots level.

WISE Project: Celebrating Achievements & Sustainability in Health and Hygiene!

On January 25, Partners in Education Ethiopia, in collaboration with Splash International, hosted the WASH in Schools for Everyone (WISE) event at Unison Hotel, bringing together over 100 stakeholders to celebrate progress and sustainability. The event featured inspiring student performances, a testimony from a Grade 7 Gender Champion, and recognition of top-performing schools. With a strong focus on sustainability, the WISE project continues to transform school environments by ensuring access to clean water and sanitation.

Director's visit to Ethiopia November 2024

I have just returned from another very rewarding trip to Ethiopia. It was wonderful to travel with the team and be part of their presentations, discussions, and negotiations.  It was also wonderful to see, first-hand, the respect and reputation that Partners has garnered throughout the education sector in Ethiopia since we opened our first school ten years ago. 

Among other activities, we visited sites for two new 2025 school construction projects in zonal administrations where we will be expanding our reach this year (South Wollo and North Shewa).  We also participated in meetings with government leaders and Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Deans and Faculty members of several Universities and Teacher Training Colleges. As a result, we signed Memoranda of Understanding with both Wollo University and Debre Birhan University to collaborate on various initiatives, including learning assessments, teacher training, e-learning, and pedagogical research projects. 

 I was not able to attend the openings of our 2024 projects, but the pictures from last week show the grand, colorful event that was held to celebrate the official inauguration of the new Lai Windigi Primary School.  Construction was completed on-time and on-budget, despite challenges of inflation and occasional security issues.

 The beginning of the school year was delayed in some of our schools because of those potential security issues, but we are very pleased to report that they have now begun classes and programs are getting back into full swing.

Yehalem, our Executive Director, and I also had a lovely, productive meeting with the Canadian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Joshua Tabah and the Embassy’s Head of Development Cooperation, Ashley Mulroney.   We really appreciated their time and their interest in Partners.  Through them, Yehalem has already been invited to network with other Canadian NGOs in Ethiopia, with a view to sharing experiences and collaborating on funding efforts. 

Finally, our Board and Yehalem held a full day meeting and Strategic Planning session last week, primarily focusing on ensuring the sustainability of our organization.  With your continuing support, we look forward to moving ahead with our plans and achieving an even greater impact on the education system in Ethiopia and on the lives of Ethiopians.