Another End of the Road

This is my last posting from Addis – although i will add my Good Restaurant and Coffee guides from the comfort of my parents’ home in the UK on my return – i fly out of Ethiopia tomorrow night.

It has been a most extraordinary and remarkable year. And one i hope never to repeat again.

My remit was to improve the school. And that has undoubtably been achieved. The curriculum has now been fully mapped, appraisal systems introduced, laid the foundations for a new Vision and Mission and i have even been able to purchase key resources across the curriculum. I have led more than 20 In-service training sessions and seen overseen a 20% growth in the Primary student population. Many Heads would need 2 – 3 years to achieve such accomplishments. All this has been against all odds, from school owner and chat-chewer Ato S., the evil Dr No and the incesant and continuous bullshit of Boss. 

I have loved and been loved by 438 gorgeous, respectful, affectionate and honest children, and despite initial hostility, earned the respect and support not  just of the teaching staff, but even the cleaning and maintenance staff. Head Site Manager Ato Ketima last week broke down in tears and told me i was the “School’s Father”. 

The school can now return to its original state of inertia.

Despite being offered a substantial wage increase, Mr Z (Head of Upper Primary) departs the school after 8 years to take over Boss’ school in Bahir Dar. 

Head of Early Years, Ms J’s contract expires on August 31^st. She has been told it will not be renewed unless she hands in her an investment license, something she is not willing to do. She has been the only beacon of sanity in such a mad world, an appreciation of what quality teaching and learning is about and a most trusted friend. Clearly reflected in the 2166 text messages that we have exchanged in the last 10 months.

Ginger Warrior flew back to the UK within hours of the term finishing, and although scheduled to return to complete his 2 year contract in August, he is already making plans for a much earlier exit. He has been another trusted stalwart of sanity in this madhouse.

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