On Friday, 15.11.24, the German Embassy School Addis Ababa celebrated International Read Aloud Day by having senior students and teachers take the younger children on a literary journey that was both entertaining and educational. The older students had carefully selected texts beforehand to inspire the younger listeners and present a variety of stories. When older students share their enthusiasm for reading with the younger ones, it not only creates a connection between the year groups, but also promotes the school’s reading culture. Reading aloud is an important tool for promoting language and imagination. International Read Aloud Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate reading and motivate children to pick up a book more often themselves.

On October 11, the entire school grounds were transformed into a center of ideas and togetherness. Around 20 to 30 students from grades 4 to 12 came together for a special student council meeting, which was organized as an overnight event. This event aimed to strengthen the community and work together on new projects. The afternoon began with a welcome session, followed by creative craft and planning sessions in which the students worked together to design events for the coming school year. The younger students were able to benefit from the ideas and experience of the older participants, while the older students were inspired by the fresh and unbiased suggestions of the younger students. The two liaison teachers supervised the entire process and were on hand to answer any questions the students had. This allowed the students to work freely in a safe and encouraging environment. The evening ended with community games, which created a lot of laughter and team spirit. These activities strengthened the bonds between the students and ended the evening with a positive sense of connection.

After the student council had organized numerous parties for the secondary level, they now decided to do something for the younger ones. So on Friday 15.11.2024, the SMV organized a colorful costume party for the little ones from preschool and elementary school. The children turned up in a variety of colorful costumes, that fired their imaginations and generated a lot of enthusiasm. The event was a complete success. In particular, the numerous games such as stop dancing, chair dancing, can throwing and much more created a great atmosphere. The children laughed, played and enjoyed the various activities that were prepared for them. The physical well-being was also taken care of: there was a small but fine selection of food and drink, which delighted both the little ones and their parents. Particularly noteworthy was the choreography initiated at the end of the party by the Hip Hop working group under the direction of Ms. Wondimu. The children had rehearsed this with great enthusiasm and joy and received great applause from the enthusiastic audience. The subsequent presentation of the numerous costumes was also an eye-catcher. All in all, the costume party was a great success and was great fun for everyone involved. With this event, the SMV has demonstrated how important community activities are for the well-being and enjoyment and happiness of the children.

Once again this year, our athletes showed their impressive skills in various disciplines such as high jump, long jump, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, shot put and discus throw at the ICS Track and Field competition. The competition took place under bright sunshine and provided a great opportunity to compete against other international schools such as ICS, Bingham School, Sandford School and other schools from Addis Ababa. Our athletes reaped the rewards of their hard training in the weeks leading up to the competition. Of particular note is Emmanuel Wondwossen from Grade 8, who came first in all the individual events he competed in, breaking several school records in the process. But other students from our school also achieved great placings. We are proud of the outstanding achievements of our students and look forward to further successes in the future!

On November 11, the DBSAA kindergarten and elementary school celebrated their traditional St. Martin’s Day – an event that enchants the school community every year. With lovingly decorated lanterns, a lively St. Martin’s play and lots of treats, pupils, teachers, parents and friends gathered on the school grounds. As dusk fell, the children gathered with their shining lanterns to sing a few traditional St. Martin’s songs together. Led by Tim Schulte, the lantern procession then set off.Once they arrived at the sports field, the annual St. Martin play was already waiting. The story of St. Martin and his generous deed – when he shared his coat with a freezing beggar – was impressively staged with a real horse. Afterwards, all the children received traditional St. Martin’s goose cookies, which they symbolically shared with their loved ones. After the play, the parents’ council invited everyone to a cozy get-together and made sure that no one had to stay hungry or thirsty. There was hot mulled wine for the adults and delicious children’s punch for the children. The parent representatives also offered sausages and other hearty snacks. Every year, the St. Martin’s festival is a highlight that brings the school community closer together and teaches the children about compassion and community in a fun way. Thanks to the support of the Parents’ Council and the commitment of teachers and parents, we were able to celebrate another atmospheric festival this year, which will certainly be remembered for a long time. We would like to thank all the helpers and participants who made this year’s St. Martin’s Festival an unforgettable experience.