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.