Fasil acknowledges the impact of the Strengthening Teacher’s English Proficiency (STEP) Programme.
Starting as a Finance Officer handling taxation at the British Council, Fasil didn’t foresee the profound impact he would make on his community. His experience with the British Council broadened his understanding of his potential for change, motivating him to seek roles that would enable him to make a difference. Transitioning from finance to the English Programmes (currently known as English and School Education Programme), he aimed to extend his influence and contribute more significantly to the community.
Initially tasked with coordinating the nascent Strengthening Teacher’s English Proficiency (STEP) project, Fasil found himself at the vanguard of a transformative initiative. The STEP project sought to enhance the English proficiency of educators. Armed with innovative pedagogical techniques, teachers were equipped to engage students more effectively, thereby bolstering their English proficiency in a nation where English stood as a foreign language.
Yet, as Fasil bore witness to the tangible impact wrought through his stewardship of the STEP project, destiny beckoned once more. An opportunity to spearhead the English and Digital Girls’ for Education (EDGE) Programme emerged, presenting Fasil with yet societal change. The EDGE Programme, a bastion of empowerment for adolescent girls hailing from marginalised communities across Ethiopia, offered training in both English proficiency and digital skills. More than mere academic enrichment, the programme embodied a holistic approach, enlisting Peer Group Leaders (PGLs) to champion girls’ education within their communities, countering the entrenched tradition of early marriage.
‘In the realm of the EDGE Programme, our ambitions extend far beyond mere academic instruction,’ Fasil articulated passionately. ‘We seek not only to equip these young women with the tools of language and technology, but to instil within them the unwavering confidence to pursue their aspirations in defiance of societal norms. Moreover, we endeavour to engender a paradigm shift within society itself, championing the cause of girls’ education and combating the scourge of early marriage that has long plagued our communities.’
Fasil expressed gratitude to the British Council for providing him with a sense of purpose in serving his nation. He acknowledged the impact of programmes like STEP and EDGE in supporting teachers and girls, highlighting the effectiveness of his efforts. Fasil sees himself not just as a Programme Manager but as a catalyst for societal change, committed to creating a brighter and more equitable future for all.
Our Impact Stories is a curated collection of individual stories showcasing the impact of British Council programmes across Arts and Culture, English and Schools Education, Higher Education, Non-Formal Education, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) across Sub-Saharan Africa. From fashion entrepreneurs in Ethiopia and Kenya to educators in Rwanda, animators in Nigeria, and heritage preservationists in Zimbabwe, the book captures the breadth and depth of what our programmes make possible when ability meets opportunity.
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