On the evening of December 7, 2023, a celestial celebration unfolded at the German Embassy School, bringing together students for a unique and enchanting extracurricular event. The gathering took place in the Rondelle, where the aroma of freshly baked pizza set the stage for an unforgettable night. The event kicked off with the delightful scent of pizza, a universal favorite among students. There is truly no better way to start an evening than with the warmth of cheesy slices and the camaraderie that sharing a meal brings. Laughter and conversation filled the air as students enjoyed a delicious pizza feast, setting the tone for the astronomical adventure that awaited them. Following the pizza indulgence, students from classes 4A and 4B had the opportunity to engage with telescopes and explore the vast expanse of the night sky. Positioned in the garden while the sun still lingered on the horizon, students peered through the telescopes to catch glimpses of distant branches from towering eucalyptus trees. This initial exercise was designed to familiarize them with the telescopic view and spark curiosity about the wonders awaiting them in the cosmos. As darkness gradually enveloped the surroundings, students moved indoors to a classroom where they embarked on a creative journey to capture constellations. Armed with paper, pins, and imagination, they crafted constellation viewers. Each student meticulously pinned the starry patterns onto the top of an empty tube, creating a mesmerizing effect that simulated the experience of stargazing when illuminated by light. The classroom buzzed with excitement as students proudly displayed their homemade constellation viewers. The event not only fostered a sense of teamwork and creativity but also deepened their understanding of the celestial wonders above. The constellation viewers served as tangible mementos, reminding students of their hands-on exploration of the night sky. The extracurricular event was a resounding success, blending fun, learning, and camaraderie in a unique way. It is heartening to witness our students come together to explore the mysteries of the universe and create lasting memories. Such experiences not only enrich their academic journey but also contribute to the vibrant tapestry of life at the German Embassy School. Continuing the celestial journey, after the captivating workshop in the classroom, students eagerly made their way back to the garden under the ink-black sky. Armed with their newly crafted constellation viewers and the knowledge gained from the workshop, they were now ready to direct their gaze toward the twinkling stars. The telescopes, positioned strategically to capture the brilliance of the night sky, awaited the students’ inquisitive eyes. Under the guidance of enthusiastic teachers, each student took turns observing various celestial wonders. The crisp December air echoed with exclamations of awe and amazement as they identified familiar constellations and marveled at the distant planets. The experience of stargazing with telescopes added a practical dimension to their theoretical understanding of astronomy. The students not only observed the beauty of the cosmos but also learned to navigate the night sky with the guidance of their teachers. This hands-on approach allowed them to connect the dots between the classroom knowledge and the real-world wonders unfolding above. As the night progressed, the atmosphere became one of shared fascination and appreciation for the vastness of the universe. Students engaged in animated conversations, exchanging their newfound insights and discoveries. The extracurricular event not only fueled their curiosity about space but also forged bonds among classmates as they collectively marveled at the grandeur of the night sky. In conclusion, the December 7th event at the German Embassy School was a holistic celebration of learning, creativity, and wonder. From the delightful pizza gathering to the classroom workshop and the enchanting stargazing session, students experienced a seamless blend of enjoyment and education. Such extracurricular activities play a crucial role in nurturing a passion for learning and fostering a sense of community within the school.

In the heart of Addis Ababa, the German Embassy School recently came alive with the spirit of St. Nicholas Day, a cherished German tradition that unfolded on December 6th, 2023. This festive occasion holds historical significance in Germany, where St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children, is celebrated for his acts of kindness and generosity. In Germany, St. Nicholas Day is observed on the 6th of December to commemorate the death of St. Nicholas, a figure known for his compassion and devotion to aiding those in need. The date also coincides with the feast day of St. Nicholas in the Christian calendar. This year, the German Embassy School embraced the joyous occasion by providing students from Kindergarten to Grade 4 with a magical encounter with St. Nicholas himself. Dressed in his iconic red robe and holding a long cane, St. Nicholas radiated warmth and merriment as he sat in the classroom. Students were invited into a beautifully lit classroom, adorned with candles and the spirit of Christmas. St. Nicholas, embodying the festive cheer, led the young minds in singing traditional Christmas carols. The harmonious tunes echoed through the halls as the children, wide-eyed and filled with joy, celebrated the season. Once the melodies filled the room, St. Nicholas proceeded to distribute personalized gifts to each child, adding an extra layer of magic to the festive occasion. The exchange of gifts symbolized the spirit of giving and shared cultural traditions, reinforcing the school’s commitment to fostering a sense of community and embracing German culture even in a foreign setting. The St. Nicholas Day celebration at the German Embassy School served as a reminder of the school’s dedication to creating a holistic and culturally enriched educational experience. The event not only brought joy to the students but also underscored the importance of preserving and sharing cultural traditions, allowing each student to feel a connection to German heritage even miles away from home. As the echoes of laughter and carols lingered in the air, the St. Nicholas Day celebration at the German Embassy School stands as a testament to the school’s commitment to creating a nurturing and culturally diverse environment for its students. Frohe Weihnachten! (Merry Christmas!)

From November 27th to December 1st, 2023, five girls in grades 9-11 seized the unique opportunity to participate in the concluding event of the Media Academy for Girls in Berlin. This event was collaboratively organized with the support of ZfA, GIZ, and the Foreign Office. Our journey began on November 24th, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the vibrant city of Berlin. We explored the historic East Side Gallery at the Berlin Wall, strolled through the cultural neighborhood of Kreuzberg, and delved into the poignant exhibits at the “Flight and Expulsion” documentation center. As the day unfolded, we couldn’t resist the allure of an evening visit to a Christmas market, complete with a memorable Ferris wheel experience. Starting Wednesday, we engaged in a dynamic exchange of ideas, sharing the outcomes of previous media academies with seven other participating schools. The collaboration fostered new intercontinental friendships, broadening our perspectives. The pinnacle of the event took place on Friday, December 1st, 2023, as participants presented their achievements at a Federal Foreign Office conference themed “Feminist Foreign Policy.” What made this experience truly exceptional was the invaluable exchange with activists from around the world, the cross-pollination of ideas, and the inspiration that ensued. Returning to Addis on Saturday, we brought back a trove of new ideas and thoughts, eager to apply the insights gained during our enriching experience in Berlin.

Addis Abeba, 20. November 2023 For numerous years, the German Embassy School in Addis Ababa has championed the cause of literacy through its cherished tradition – Read Aloud Day. On Friday, November 17, 2023, the school once again brought the joy of storytelling to life, fostering a love for reading among its students. A Tradition of Literary Celebration The roots of Read Aloud Day extend beyond the borders of the school. This vibrant tradition finds its inspiration in the Nationwide Reading Day, a joint initiative by Die Zeit, the Reading Foundation, and the Deutsche Bahn Foundation. In its 20th occurrence in 2023, this annual event on the third Friday of November has been inspiring children and adults since its inception in 2004. Cultural Exchange at the Heart of Literacy Nestled in the heart of Addis Ababa, the German Embassy School stands as a beacon of educational excellence. The Read Aloud Day is not merely an event; it’s a celebration of cultural diversity, language immersion, and community engagement. The campus event brings together the entire school community, creating an atmosphere of warmth and shared enthusiasm for literature. Student Empowerment: Grade 8 Reads to KG Students One of the unique features of this year’s Read Aloud Day was the involvement of Grade 8 students reading to their younger counterparts in the Kindergarten (KG). This interactive session not only showcased the literacy development of older students but also instilled a sense of responsibility and mentorship within the school community. Beyond Words: The Impact of Read Aloud Day Read Aloud Day at the German Embassy School goes beyond the act of reading aloud. It is a comprehensive educational initiative that nurtures language skills, encourages academic engagement, and enhances reading comprehension. The day is not just an event but a journey of literary exploration, fostering learning through captivating stories. Global Connections through Reading Being an international school, the German Embassy School embraces the cultural exchange that comes with diverse language backgrounds. Read Aloud Day bridges language gaps, promoting not only literacy but also the joy of shared stories in different languages. Looking Ahead: Community Involvement and Beyond As the echoes of Read Aloud Day linger, the German Embassy School remains committed to community involvement. The success of literacy programs, such as Vorlesetag / Read Out Loud Day, highlights the school’s dedication to creating an environment where every child can enjoy storytime, fostering a lifelong love for reading. In the spirit of this literary celebration, the German Embassy School invites everyone to join hands in nurturing a generation that appreciates the magic found within the pages of a book. After all, Read Aloud Day is not just an event; it is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in shaping young minds.

  Overnight stay of the SMV In mid-October, the SMV invited its members to an overnight stay at the school to gather and plan upcoming events, with a primary focus on the imminent Oktoberfest. To ensure maximum efficiency, SMV members organized themselves into different groups, each assigned to a specific area of responsibility. For instance, one group handled the setup of the photo booth, another curated the supporting program for the party, and others collaborated on creating a playlist. Nonetheless, everyone contributed to decorating the venue, resulting in vibrant posters, photo booth accessories, and appropriate decorations that set the stage for an unforgettable atmosphere. The outcomes of each group’s efforts were presented, and after brief adjustments, the concepts and supporting programs were finalized. However, the evening wasn’t solely dedicated to work; the objective was also to strengthen the sense of community. What better way to achieve this than with delicious pizza and engaging games? All in all, the overnight stay was a success, combining productive work with enjoyable moments, ensuring that both the sense of fun and community were well-preserved.