Global Literacy Matters

In Ethiopia, drinking coffee is more than just a morning routine before running out the door to work. The traditional village-level “ coffee ceremony ” is an integral part of Ethiopian social and cultural life. An invitation to attend a coffee ceremony is considered a mark of friendship or respect. Performing the ceremony is usually done in the presence of a visitor, regardless of the time of day. The coffee beans are roasted and then coffee is usually served with a local snack such as peanuts, popcorn, or barley. The special ceremony is never rushed; it can sometimes take several hours. ProLiteracy partner in Ethiopia, Nurture Education and Development (NED), uses the coffee ceremony as an opportunity for education. During these education sessions, coffee is served while men and women use pictures, skits, songs, or dances to discuss sensitive issues such as individual rights, early marriage, abduction, domestic violence, and female genital mutilation. NED is an Ethiopian in-country gr...

International Literacy Day Ethiopia EHRCEPA The Ethiopian Human Rights and Civic Education Promotion Association (EHRCEPA) is an Ethiopian non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting human rights, providing voter education, and fighting harmful traditional practices, particularly those that affect women. Through “door to door” education and counseling, workshops, panel discussions, and school drama competitions, EHRCEPA encourages participants to address controversial women’s rights and citizenship issues. During the traditional village-level “coffee ceremony,” men and women use pictures, skits, songs, or dances to discuss sensitive issues such as individual rights, early marriage, abduction, domestic violence, and female genital mutilation. EHRCEPA also conducts workshops with business, civic, religious, and local government leaders on voter education, good governance, and elections. By donating to ProLiteracy right now, you will help these women and men receive the tools nec...