Fasil acknowledges the impact of British Council programmes in supporting teachers and girls.
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 Teachers 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 another avenue through which to effect profound societal change. The EDGE Programme, a bastion of empowerment for adolescent girls hailing from marginalized 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 instill 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 programs 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.