Many School Children in Ethiopia are benefiting from Ducere Foundation in their move to improve their literacy skills while preserving valuable oral traditions for future generations.
The Foundation in collaboration with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia’s (FDRE) Ministry of Education has published three Ethiopian story collections in different regional States (Oromia, Amhara, and SNNPRS). At the recent SNNPRS book launch program in Ethiopia, Executive Director Mrs Di Fleming and State Minister of the Ministry of Education, Dr Tilaye Gete, held a meeting at the Ministry offices and agreed to strengthen their cooperation further in the field of literacy as well as oral tradition. She also noted that Ducere Foundation is also very keen to engage in teacher training, which is also crucial to meet the target set by both parties. Dr Tilaye Gete appreciated what has been achieved by the Foundation in these three regions of Ethiopia and more broadly across the African continent. He has also urged Ducere Foundation to expand this pilot program into other regions where the country is introducing mother tongue language as medium of instruction. The two parties also agreed to enhance story writing and storytelling programs in Ethiopian schools in a bid to improve literacy development as well as in creating mighty generation.
The SNNPRS African Children’s Stories Collection was launched in Hawassa in the presence of Woreda and School Administrators, teachers, and students along with their parents. The launch began with the Ethiopian and Australian National anthems and the traditional festivity and dress of the students was interesting to the audience. Gifts of story books were presented to the student authors and the school officials. It was truly a wonderful experience for the whole community.