American Councils adds Ethiopia to its list of countries with the start of the Youth Solidarity and English Language (YSEL) program. Based on the successful YSEL model for Afghan youth, American Councils looks forward to repeating that success with Ethiopian youth.
American Councils adds Ethiopia to its list of countries with the start of the Youth Solidarity and English Language (YSEL) program. Based on the successful YSEL model for Afghan youth, American Councils looks forward to repeating that success with Ethiopian youth.
The program, fully funded by the US Embassy in Addis Ababa aims to bring Ethiopian youth (ages 15-17) from the 11 regions of the country together for a month-long summer camp in Debre Zeyit, about one hour south of the capital. The goals of the YSEL-Ethiopia program are to improve English language skills, develop critical thinking, build leadership skills and create solidarity among the 44 students from the diverse areas of Ethiopia. "Young Ethiopians don't get a chance to meet people their own age from other regions, so this is going to be a great month of learning and making bonds that will hopefully last beyond the end of camp in August, says Tom Toomey, the YSEL Camp Director, "This is a unique opportunity for young people to come together and celebrate the diversity of culture in their own country."
Almost 300 applications were received for the program. In May, Tom and the YSEL Assistant Director, Endalkachew Tesera, spent two weeks traveling throughout Ethiopia interviewing the 128 selected semi-finalists. They found many talented and motivated students and it was difficult to choose only 44 (4 from each region).
The camp begins on July 5th with a welcome ceremony at the US Embassy before the students head down to Debre Zeyit to begin their wonderful month of learning. Hopefully, this will not be the first and last time American Councils works in this beautiful country with a rich history. "We hope that the YSEL program will continue in the future and we can give more Ethiopian youth a memorable life experience," comments Tom. You may follow the YSEL-Ethiopia camp activities through the camp blog: yselethiopia.blogspot.com or on Facebook at YSEL-Ethiopia.
News by Tom Toomey, Program Administrator for the Vice President's Office, American Councils