The U.S. Mission to UNESCO and U.S. Embassy Ethiopia are pleased to announce that  from August 29 – September 2, Addis Ababa will be the capital of the girls’ education universe as it hosts the first ever TeachHer Master Class.

TeachHer is a new public-private partnership (PPP) spearheaded by the United States, UNESCO, the Institute of International Education (IIE), Microsoft, Fitbit, and other NGO and private sector partners.  The initiative is designed to work with governments and educators to ensure teachers have the training they need to prepare girls to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts/Design, and Math (STEAM).  In the words of U.S. Ambassador to UNESCO Crystal Nix-Hines, “We have to inspire and encourage young women to believe – truly believe – that they can break through barriers and succeed in these fields.” 

As Second Lady of the United States, Dr. Jill Biden said at the launch of the TeachHer program in June 2016, "If we invest in our teachers today; if we invest in women and girls today; if we give girls the opportunity to go to school and graduate; recognize their value and welcome their contributions; and make sure women have a seat at the table today, then tomorrow, no little girl will grow up in a world where her dreams are denied; her potential unrealized."

The inaugural TeachHer Master Class, scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa from August 29 to September 2, would bring together 58 teachers, school administrators, and education ministry officials from six countries across Africa:  Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, and South Africa. 

By participating in TeachHer, these countries are committing to implement science, technology, engineering, arts/design, and math (STEAM) programs both in their formal curricula, as well as in after-school programs designed to inspire, equip, and sustain girls' interests in STEAM careers.  Following the Master Class in Ethiopia, the participants will return home ready to pass on the knowledge they have gained not only to their students, but to their colleagues as well. 

The U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa is proud to be taking part in organizing this historic event, which is part of our ongoing commitment to girls’ education and women’s empowerment in Ethiopia.