Hawassa University (HU) and the Regional English Language Office (RELO) under U. S. Embassy Public Diplomacy section had launched a two years joint collaboration project "English Access Scholarship Program 2026-28" where 36 high school students recruited from six schools in Hawassa City administration on October 24, 2026.
Dr. Tafesse Matewos, Vice President for Research & Collaboration at HU, officiated the opening ceremony held at African Union Hall in the presence of Her Excellency Adrienne Nutzman, Counselor for Public Diplomacy at U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa, Regional English Language Office (RELO) staff, representatives of the Sidama regional state and Hawassa city administration education bureaus, Principals of the six selected high schools in Hawassa, parents, invited guests and the 36 scholarship awardees of the program.
In his opening speech, Dr. Tafesse pointed out that English language plays a decisive role in Ethiopia's education system, serving as both a core subject and the primary medium of instruction. Hence, he added “Equipping our students with strong English proficiency and essential academic skills is crucial to improving learning outcomes across all levels of education”. He underscored the fact that the project prepares students for adequate preparation which is vital not only for daily classroom engagement, but also for sitting high-stakes national exams and pursuing international opportunities”.
The Vice president remarked that HU is building upon a strong history of collaboration with the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, and the Regional English Language Office (RELO), and appreciated all for the trust they put in HU’s capacity to work in partnership. He pledged Hawassa University’s full commitment to delivering this program successfully as a service provider and trusted partner alongside the U.S. Department of State, FHI 360, and RELO.
Mrs. Adrienne Nutzman also remarked that Access English Scholarship has 200,000 plus alumni across more than 100 countries around the globe making the 36 new scholarship awardees a plus to this remarkable number of scholars. She stated that this year’s program is part of the 250 years anniversary of US foundation with a strong belief that working together with others is better than everyone working separately. She encouraged the scholarship awardees to take the opportunity seriously because English opens doors and the scholarship is a serious investment in future leaders to get a stronger partner, a developed Ethiopia.
Dr. Mihreteab Abraham, the Project Coordinator at HU, presented project overview and expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders for their invaluable contributions to the successful launching. He stated that the project aims to empower public secondary school students by enhancing English language proficiency, fostering 21st-century skills, cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, and promoting cross-cultural understanding between the United States and Ethiopia over the next two years.
Finally, the 36 secondary school students selected through rigorous assessments from six schools namely: Hawassa University Community Model School, Tesso, Allamura, Tabour, Addis Ketema and Misrak Chora High schools, received their award certificate from the VIPs.
