A glamorous, new, double-storey building in Cosmos Street around the corner from British Embassy, Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia is now home to the British Council.

The opening was attended by more than 400 guests. The move from the small offices in the town of Piassa marked the British Council’s worldwide 75th year celebrations as well as the expansion of the services offered by the British Council Ethiopia.

A series of events took place to celebrate, including an educational workshop that was attended by members of the Ministry of Education, Educational institutions and civil society organisations.

Professional development sessions on leadership and communication skills also formed part of the celebrations. These were attended by over a 100 people. A panel discussion on the current status of English language instruction in Ethiopia was broadcasted nationally on Radio Fana.

A quiz on UK-Ethiopia relations, the environment and other related topics broadcast nationally on Radio Fana and Sheger were among the major events held as part of the celebrations. Selected winners received their prizes from the guests of honour at the opening of the building.

A contemporary dance performance by Adugna Dance Company and the Adugna Potentials was showcased at the event. Live graffiti art work and perspectives on Ethiopia and Britain were exhibited, adding more colour to the opening.

Business Director British Council Ethiopia Netsanet Demewoz says the move to the new building means a departure from the old traditional British Council brand which was previously overshadowed by the library to a modern, light and flexible British Council.

‘It enables us to create stronger team spirit and to launch our professional development business.’

According to the press release marking the event, the open plan set up of the new building has provided enormous possibilities for the British Council Ethiopia.

‘The space can be opened up for big gatherings or quite easily be converted to multiple medium sized training rooms.  What’s more, the innovative design and the many environmentally friendly features of the building are a source of pride for staff and our customers.’

Demewoz says the British Council would like to hold more networking events for professionals and training sessions within the new premises.

‘Due to the lack of appropriate training and parking space, it wasn't possible to have big gatherings within the old building. Besides, teams were scattered all over the four floors of the building’

On the first day of celebrations the audience listened in as UK alumni and Ethiopian nationals gathered to debate UK’s contribution to modern education in Ethiopia.

This meeting was addressed by two prominent historians, Professor Richard Pankhurst, a British national who had lived in Ethiopia for almost half his life.

Customer Service Adviser Sahle, Mesnanat, says Professor Pankhurst shared about the period when the British Council representatives came to Ethiopia and how they helped improve the standard of living of Ethiopians.

‘With the coming of the British Council began what was going to be a genuine and lasting relationship with the UK in education. With it also came English text books and teachers. The coming of the British Council provided access to UK education and resources.

Demewoz says they were happy to find out that most Ethiopians were happy about the services offered by the British Council.

‘Most said we provided an opportunity (which was otherwise rare and unavailable) to engage with the UK and the wider world consistently and creatively over the years.’

‘We received several stories of individuals and institutions which are transformed as a result of that opportunity of international partnership. I’m very pleased to be a part of this organisation which is highly regarded by different sections of society,’ says Demewoz.

One participant commented during the celebrations, ‘Even if I was close to the Council for nearly two decades, it was interesting to hear the diverse testimonies and realise how rich the partnership is. I enjoyed the afternoon thoroughly and look forward to taking my relationship with the UK and the Council further in future.’

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