Teaching in Ethiopia

In the last few years Ethiopia's government has put both Health and Education at the top of its priority list. New schools are opening all the time, and the aim is to increase dramatically the number of children attending primary and secondary school. But there is a long way to go, figures from 2004 estimate that 68% of children attend primary school and just 16% complete their secondary education.

English teaching in secondary schools is now being accorded increasing importance, particularly with by the new generation of young, ambitious Ethiopians, striving to improve their country's and their place in the world. Teaching Abroad place volunteers in schools to assist local teachers and to give the children exposure to spoken English by a native speaker. Often the teachers will have limited English themselves and you will be popular if you're happy to spend some time helping them too. You can also get involved in extra-curricular clubs, from singing clubs involving English songs to coaching football.

We also have a teaching placement in an educational centre for blind children and adults. Here volunteers teach some English and receive training by the local staff to help teach IT classes and important office skills.