Geneva Global Ethiopia recognized for Supporting Youth Volunteerism Program in Ethiopia

In December of 2022 Geneva Global Ethiopia (GGE) was commended by The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ASCO) “in recognition of [its] support and response upon ASCO’s call to contribute to the 2022 summer volunteerism program”. ASCO’s summer program operates for three months beginning in the end of June, taking advantage of annual school closures during the rainy season. The goal of the program is to motivate and mobilize youth to become socially engaged, offering opportunities in areas such as gardening and cultivation, the maintenance of elders’ homes, and basic literacy education. Through its diverse programming, ASCO hopes to facilitate students’ development of practical knowledge, basic competencies, and sense of social responsibility.  

GGE is one of several partners who support ASCO in its summer programming through technical, financial, and/or material assistance. In 2022, GGE provided training to volunteer teachers in activity-based learning techniques, in competency-based instruction, in supportive supervision and assessment, and in classroom management strategies. GGE provided further support via SMS, answering volunteer teachers’ questions when necessary. Harnessing the collaboration of 16 partners, the GGE staff held the training in two rounds for 1200 volunteers from colleges of teacher education and public universities.  

Commenting on the importance of supporting government initiatives, Samuel Wollie, Director of GGE, said, “As a national NGO, it is logical and relevant to support such a government institution, especially in relation to inclusive youth engagement and empowerment. It is an honor to be recognized among the thousands of NGOs working at the federal and regional levels in Ethiopia. We look forward to maintaining this partnership and continuing to support the overall development of civil society.”