A Return to the German Church School,
Addis Abeba, Ethiopia - February 12. - 14. 2001

Wednesday, February, 14

The former PC-lab In the morning I had a chance to speak to several staff members of the german speaking congregation.
In the afternoon I was able to visit an 8th grade class in the PC lab that was learning the basics of word processing. The computers were donated by the "Kindernothilfe" (Children's Aid Organization of Germany) for use in the VT (Vocational Training) program.
After the VT program was discontinued, the computers were made available to about 20 of the best pupils out of the 50 or so in the 8th grade.
This way the lab capacity is utilized effectively on the one hand and on the other hand, the rest of the pupils are encouraged to improve their performance so as to be able to enjoy benefits of the PC program.
The PC course is taught by the mathematics teacher, Ato Yohannes.

After this short visit, I still had time to participate in the Social Meeting which I mentioned previously. Because of her Ethiopian background and to thus insure trust and understanding, this meeting is appropriately conducted by Mrs. Desta. Student First the children watched a video. Which presented a practical example of the importance of learning. Following the video the group was divided.
First the boys left the room so that the girls could hold a discussion without embarrassment. Then the discussion was repeated with the boys. 		Student I was surprised at how clearly both the girls and the boys analyzed the presentation and formulated appropriate conclusions.
The work of the school apparently falls on fertile ground.

With the end of the afternoon my official visit was completed. It was once again a very beautiful and happy time with the people of the GCS.

At the end of this report I would like to cite the teacher Ato Teshome.
In a conversation he said to me:

" The whole school is like a family, and as a result the pupils are greatly motivated resulting in good performance. The relationship between the teachers and the pupils goes far beyond the instruction. That is the difference between the GCS and most other schools in the country, and what makes it special."

I can add nothing, for what Ato Teshome has said confirms my own conclusions as an outside observer.
May God allow this school to continue there work undisturbed as a "Window of Hope"
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