code_admin's blog

We describe Reading Liberia as a comprehensive readership program that aims to improve the quality of education in Liberia by sharing knowledge and building capacity through professional mentorship. But it’s so much more.

Only a few months in and we’re already seeing real impact....

Today other things struck me.  The numbers of young men in the streets all day are just hanging out - not working, not studying, not involved.  This is a concern for a nation that wants to get back up on its feet, that’s for sure.  I bought fruit today and marveled at the market - mangoes, watermelons, ginger, oranges, bananas and even fresh pineapple.  A girl who works at the WE-CARE Foundation (and studies building at the local Polytechnic) helped me out with the bartering, always a fun engagement with people. 

 Today I noticed the poor state of the roads and the garbage in the streets an

It is amazing here - so hot and humid that my notebooks are already warping!  I am in Liberia for sure - the smells of fire in the air, the noise, the distorted radio music, people lining the roads, the throngs of people everywhere, small stray dogs and big geckoes, fabulous trees and plants everywhere. 

The Seeing is Believing Tour has officially ended. This group was so rich with laughter and full of awe at Ethiopia and CODE’s work here. Regardless of stomach problems, lost luggage and chest colds, everyone has been brimming with curiosity, respect for Ethiopians' determination to make change and inspired by the thirst for education and knowledge all around us.

Yesterday we went to the Ministry of Education office and met with the head of education to discuss the obstacles faced by primary school teachers in the region. He told us about the low resources for teacher training, lack of books, supplies, classroom overcrowding etc. By now the group is familiar with these challenges. And although we've also become familiar with the passion of Ethiopians, what impressed us most was his energy, vision, intelligence and drive to turn the situation around.

Yesterday we had fabulous visits to Merawi Reading Room and Durbete Reading Room - both rural and new since last year in the regions around Bahir Dar. Durbete put on an incredible welcoming ceremony with the children performing songs, traditional shoulder dances and small plays. They presented us with flowers and a traditional coffee ceremony. Even the local media came to cover the festivities.
- Ann Speak

One of the girls who introduced herself to us at the Durbete reading room said she wants to be a journalist.

We left Addis Ababa and headed north to Lalibela - a patchwork quilt of every possible shade of green warmed the earth as we looked out the plane’s small windows.

It’s great to be here again and amongst Ethiopian friends. We all arrived safely, and without a hitch on Saturday night. We’re just starting to get our feet wet, but the memorable moments are already flooding in…
   

“What's stayed with me today is the depth of passion I have seen in everyone we’ve been fortunate enough to meet. The depth of joy in the children playing, the depth of dedication and commitment to CODE Ethiopia in those we met tonight, the depth of earnestness in those speaking to us in our language trying to help us in our travels.