Coventry University helps Ethiopian professionals with leadership programme

Eight participants of the Chevening Ethiopia Leadership Fellowship stood in a stone courtyard during their visit to Coventry

Eight participants of the Chevening Ethiopia Leadership Fellowship during their visit to Coventry

University news

Tuesday 29 August 2023

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Press Team
press.mac@coventry.ac.uk


Coventry University is inspiring professionals in Ethiopia to develop their leadership skills through a programme commissioned by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

The Chevening Ethiopia Leadership Fellowship is a programme hosted by Coventry University and sees small groups from Ethiopia visit the UK for eight weeks for a series of workshops, visits, networking opportunities and experiences.

The programme is designed to give participants a first-hand experience of how public policy is designed, developed and evaluated at UK and European institutions.

It involves visits to the Scottish Parliament, Westminster and decision-making bodies in Europe, with participants also taking part in a number of activities and presentations.

In addition to expert tutor-led sessions and interactive workshops, the programme includes specialist guest talks from experienced public and government leaders and policy makers, as well as formal and informal networking opportunities.

The idea is that participants will use these skills and experiences to help their organisations in Ethiopia. Those taking part this year were professionals from within the Ethiopian health sector, Ministry of Justice, a women's disability group and environmental organisations. The programme is an opportunity for them to further develop their field of expertise.

The programme concluded with a graduation ceremony for programme participants hosted at Coventry University and attended by the Ethiopian Ambassador to the UK.

It’s been absolutely amazing. I’ve been blown away by the enthusiasm of this group and it has been a privilege to have been alongside them on their journey.

It’s been a terrific experience for them and it’s clear to see that they have just grown and grown in confidence as the weeks have progressed. I believe that their experience on the programme will have a massive impact on their careers.

Sarah Horton-Walsh, Programme Director at Coventry University

Coventry University has been delivering the Chevening Ethiopian Leadership Programme on behalfof FCDO for the past three years, during which 24 participants have taken part.

The Chevening Fellowship programme wouldn’t be made possible without the expertise and commitment of our valued participating institutions, such as Coventry University.

The Chevening Ethiopia Leadership Fellowship brings together Ethiopia’s best and brightest public servants and government officials for a challenging eight-week course of lectures, projects and visits to UK and European institutions.

Participants return to Ethiopia with new perspectives, ready to deliver positive change in their organisations as members of the 55,000+ Chevening Global Alumni Network. The Chevening Fellowship programme is grateful to Coventry University for the important part they play in providing fellows this unique and valuable opportunity.

Carly Wonder, Senior Programme Officer for Chevening Fellowships

Find out more about the Chevening Ethiopia Leadership Fellowship