Improving the Teaching of English Language in Ethiopia (ITELE)
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Date of Operation: 2011 – 2015
Primary Implementing Partner: Peace Corps
Regions of Operation: Amhara, Oromia, SNNP, and Tigray
Goals:
Enhance the proficiency of English language reading and writing and the programs of English education and training in the colleges of teacher education and primary schools in Ethiopia.
Objectives:
- Increase availability and use of teaching resources
- Help roll out new teaching aids and methodologies
- Promote supplemental reading materials for both teachers and students
- Encourage an English speaking and reading environment
Description:
In Ethiopia, the language of instruction in early primary school is usually the majority language for the geographic area. However, between grades five and nine, schools shift to English as the language of instruction, requiring students to be competent in English to succeed in school. Thus, English language learning is directly linked with quality of education and achievement of older students. While English is taught as a subject from grade one in order to prepare students for the switch to English, the quality of the instruction is poor and not adequately preparing students. During the course of the project, 180 Peace Corps Volunteers will be assigned in selected colleges of teacher education and primary schools. The Peace Corps volunteers will teach English language in primary schools and work with their counterparts in the colleges of teacher education.
Expected Results:
- Improved English language proficiency and teaching strategies and approaches, ultimately improving English language proficiency in all targeted primary schools.
- Trained 1,500 English language teachers from primary schools and colleges of teacher education in four regional states.
