Week Without Walls: Ethiopia Cultural Week, Addis Ababa (2024)
In 2024, I organized, coordinated, and chaperoned an Ethiopia Cultural Week in Addis Ababa. This program was designed to foster an appreciation for Ethiopia’s rich history and culture through a multidisciplinary lens. Collaborating the Ethiopian Studies Coordinator and Athletics and Activities Coordinator, we developed an immersive experience that combined historical excursions, cultural workshops, and research-based reflections.
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Two and a half weeks before the program began, students formulated research questions to guide their learning. Click here to see the lessons that students participated in to learn more about Ethiopian History and Geography.
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Throughout the week, students explored some of Addis Ababa’s most significant historical and cultural landmarks. At Unity Park, they toured the Banquet Hall, Menelik Palace, Haile Selassie Palace, and the dungeons where political prisoners were tortured under the Derg regime. The visit to the Red Terror Museum was particularly emotional, as students confronted the brutal realities of Ethiopia’s past through firsthand testimonies and exhibits. At the National Museum and Ethnological Museum, they traced Ethiopia’s long and complex history, from ancient artifacts to contemporary cultural traditions. The Korean War Monument highlighted Ethiopia’s alliance to South Korea before they switched to North Korea's side as represented by the Derg Tiglachin Monument. Students also explored the Museum of Addis Ababa, learning about the city’s evolution and key historical moments. A visit to the Hamlin Fistula Hospital provided insight into Ethiopia’s pioneering work in maternal healthcare, and at the Ensira Pottery Centre, students engaged in hands-on learning, creating their own pottery using traditional Ethiopian methods.
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In addition to excursions, students participated in a variety of school-based workshops, led by our wonderful Ethiopian staff members. They took Amharic language lessons, with offerings at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, as well as Ethiopian Sign Language. Through traditional sports and games, such as demo, students engaged with Ethiopia’s athletic heritage. In music and dance workshops, they learned to play instruments like the kera and practiced traditional Ethiopian dance. Art and craftsmanship were also key components of the program, with students exploring traditional bookbinding techniques. The cooking workshops introduced students to Ethiopian cuisine, allowing them to prepare and enjoy local dishes. Additionally, students had the opportunity to hear from prominent guest speakers and analyze films that explored Ethiopia’s history, including discussions on the legacy of Haile Selassie.
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At the conclusion of the week, students reflected on their experiences and compiled their findings into informative projects, integrating their research with personal insights. Some created art pieces inspired by Ethiopian heritage, while others collaborated on multilingual informational panels explaining the significance of their excursions. This Week Without Walls was more than just an academic experience—it was an opportunity for students to develop empathy, cultural appreciation, and a deeper understanding of Ethiopia’s past and present. Through historical inquiry, creative expression, and hands-on learning, students left with a profound respect for the resilience and richness of Ethiopian culture.
