Arba Minch University (AMU), through the English Access Scholarship Program (Access), hosted a three-day Summer Camp for 36 students from four public secondary schools in Arba Minch Town from July 27-29/2026. Funded by the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia, the program featured interactive sessions led by Ethiopian instructors, alongside cultural immersion activities that enriched students' global and local perspectives. Click here to see more photos.
Dr. Ing. Bogale G/Mariam, AMU Vice President for Academic Affairs, said that the Access Program has made a meaningful contribution to strengthening students' English language proficiency, communication skills, and intercultural competence, all of which are essential for success in higher education. He noted that the two-year training has equipped participants with valuable academic, personal, and cross-cultural skills that will support their future educational and professional endeavors. Dr. Ing. Bogale also commended the American English Language Fellows, the U.S. Embassy RELO Assistant, the AMU Access director and coordinator, and the Ethiopian instructors for their dedication and collective efforts in making the program a success.
Speaking on the event, Dr. Abate Anjulo, AMU Access Program Director said, the program has organized a three-day Summer Camp for 36 students, selected from four public secondary schools. According to him the students stayed in the training for almost two years and have been supported since Grade 9. Hosted in the university campus, the camp introduced participants to university life and American culture through sessions led by Ethiopian instructors and four American English Language Fellows. The program also included a visit to the Dorze Cultural Village to foster intercultural understanding and appreciation of Ethiopia's cultural heritage. Dr. Abate added that the students have been attending five-hour weekly sessions on English language skills development, understanding American culture and history, and raising awareness of essential 21st - century skills, including self-awareness, confidence building, and time management, to prepare them for higher education. He expressed his gratitude to the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia for its continued support, noting that the program has significantly enhanced students' English proficiency, intercultural competence, and university readiness.
AMU Access Program Coordinator, Dr. Adanech Zemede, noted that the students have demonstrated remarkable growth in intercultural understanding, communication, and social skills through the program. She noted that participation in the Summer Camp and other program activities has enhanced their self-confidence while enabling them to compare and appreciate both Ethiopian and American cultures. According to Dr. Adanech, the students have also benefited from language development activities covering culture, history, social skills, entrepreneurship, and other essential 21st - century competencies. She further highlighted that the program has maintained equal participation of female and male students, with no dropouts recorded since its launch, reflecting the participants' strong commitment and enthusiasm.
Mr. Bedlu Kebede, an Ethiopian instructor in the Access Program, reflected on the remarkable progress made by the participants, recalling that many struggled to communicate in English during the recruitment interviews. However, after two years of training and continuous engagement, he said, the students now communicate confidently in English and rarely rely on other languages. He also commended AMU for its effective coordination of the program, noting that participants gained valuable social and intercultural experiences through community engagement visits to Merry Joy Development Association, Mekedonia Elderly and Mentally Disabled Care Center, and the Dorze Cultural Village.
Helen Ayire and Merawi Dereja, students from Arba Minch Secondary School, said that the Access Program with the continuing training and the three-day Summer Camp event has significantly improved their English language proficiency, self-confidence, teamwork, and critical thinking skills. Reflecting on their experience, the students recalled that they lacked the confidence to communicate in English before joining the program, but the continuous practice and supportive learning environment greatly enhanced their fluency and communication skills. They also described the Summer Camp and educational visits to community and cultural centers as memorable experiences that broadened their social and cultural perspectives.
American English Language Fellows Melissa K. Harr, Katherine Pacchiana, and Michael Jefferson, together with the U.S. Embassy Regional English Language Office (RELO) Assistant, Mr. Winner Merid, visited the Access Program students during the Summer Camp activities at AMU.
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