Professional Documents
Culture Documents
ETHIOPIA
A P E A C E C O R P S P U B L I C ATI O N
FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS
Before you even arrive in Ethiopia, we hope you will find ways
to read up on Ethiopian culture and history and maybe even
sample some Ethiopian food, if such restaurants exist near
you. All this will give you a head start for training.
We at the Peace Corps office believe you have made the right
(and brave) decision to join us here in Ethiopia. We look
forward to meeting you soon!
Nwando Diallo
Country Director
NOTES
4 PEACE CORPS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Map of Ethiopia
A Welcome Letter 1
Packing List 81
Pre-departure Checklist 87
10 PEACE CORPS
NOTES
14 PEACE CORPS
NOTES
Government
In Ethiopia, President Meles Zenawi and members of the
Transitional Government of Ethiopia (TGE) pledged to
oversee the formation of a multi-party democracy. The
election for a 547-member constituent assembly was held
in June 1994, and this assembly adopted the constitution of
the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in December
Economy
In the economic arena, the TGE inherited a shattered country.
In his first public speech after the EPRDF had captured Addis
Ababa, Meles Zenawi indicated that Ethiopia’s coffers were
empty; moreover, some 7 million people were threatened
with starvation because of drought and civil war. Economic
performance statistics reflected this gloomy assessment.
18 PEACE CORPS
The Ethiopian economy is based on agriculture, which
contributes 47 percent to GNP and more than 80 percent of
exports, and employs 85 percent of the population. The major
agricultural export crop is coffee, providing 35 percent of
Ethiopia’s foreign exchange earnings, down from 65 percent
a decade ago because of the slump in coffee prices since the
mid-1990s. Other traditional major agricultural exports are
hides and skins, pulses, oilseeds, and leather. Sugar and gold
production has also become important in recent years.
Environment
Due to its wide range of altitudes, Ethiopia experiences
extremely varied climatic conditions, including cold
mountains, temperate highlands, and hot deserts. Normally,
the rainy season lasts from mid-June to mid-September
(longer in the southern highlands) preceded by intermittent
showers from February to May; the remainder of year is
generally dry.
20 PEACE CORPS
NOTES
www.countrywatch.com/
On this site, you can learn anything from what time it is in
the capital of Ethiopia to how to convert from the dollar to
Ethiopian currency. Just click on Ethiopia and go from there.
www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations
Visit this site for general travel advice about almost any
country in the world.
www.psr.keele.ac.uk/official.htm
This site includes links to all the official sites for
governments worldwide.
www.geography.about.com/library/maps/blindex.htm
This online world atlas includes maps and geographical
information, and each country page contains links to
other sites, such as the Library of Congress, that contain
comprehensive historical, social, and political background.
www.cyberschoolbus.un.org/infonation/info.asp
This United Nations site allows you to search for statistical
information for member states of the U.N.
www.worldinformation.com
This site provides an additional source of current and
historical information about countries around the world.
www.rpcv.org
This is the site of the National Peace Corps Association, made
up of returned Volunteers. On this site you can find links to all
the Web pages of the “friends of” groups for most countries of
service, comprised of former Volunteers who served in those
countries. There are also regional groups that frequently
get together for social events and local volunteer activities.
Or go straight to the Friends of Ethiopia site at http://www.
ethiopiaeritrearpcvs.org/
24 PEACE CORPS
http://www.rpcvwebring.org
This site is known as the returned Peace Corps Volunteer Web
ring. Browse the Web ring and see what former Volunteers are
saying about their service.
www.peacecorpswriters.org
This site is hosted by a group of returned Volunteer writers.
It is a monthly online publication of essays and Volunteer
accounts of their Peace Corps service.
http://allafrica.com/ethiopia/
News wire stories about Ethiopia
http://www.usaid.gov/locations/sub-saharan_africa/coun-
tries/ethiopia/
The U.S. Agency for International Development’s work
in Ethiopia
Recommended Books
1. Ashabranner, Brent. A Moment in History: The First
Ten Years of the Peace Corps. Garden City, N.Y.:
Doubleday, 1971.
26 PEACE CORPS
NOTES
Your Name/PCT
US Peace Corps/Ethiopia
P.O. Box 7788
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
You will purchase a personal postal office box once you move
to your site. Mail arriving in Addis Ababa, after you have
obtained your own postal office box, will continue to be held
at the Peace Corps office until you pass through on official
business or when a Peace Corps/Addis Ababa staff member
visits you at your site.
Telephones
Almost all sites have telecom centers with international long
distance. Peace Corps/Ethiopia provides a telecommunications
30 PEACE CORPS
• There should be a latrine that is private or semiprivate
with a cemented floor
Transportation
All Volunteers will be expected to travel in Ethiopia using
local transportation (i.e., foot, bicycle, public buses, mini-
vans –called “blue donkeys due to the way they drive in
tight traffic). Volunteers may not own or operate motorized
vehicles in Ethiopia. Peace Corps will provide a stipend for
Volunteers wishing to purchase a bike (with helmet) at site. If
you purchase a bike, you are required to always wear a helmet
while riding.
Social Activities
The most common form of entertainment is socializing among
friends and neighbors. Some Volunteers visit other Volunteers
on weekends and holidays. The Peace Corps encourages
32 PEACE CORPS
Volunteers to remain at their sites as much as possible to
develop relationships with community members, but it also
recognizes that they need to make occasional trips to regional
centers and to visit friends.
Personal Safety
More detailed information about the Peace Corps’ approach
to safety is contained in the Health Care and Safety chapter,
but it is an important issue and cannot be overemphasized. As
stated in the Volunteer Handbook, becoming a Peace Corps
Volunteer entails certain safety risks. Living and traveling
in an unfamiliar environment (oftentimes alone), having a
limited understanding of local language and culture, and being
perceived as well-off are some of the factors that can put a
Volunteer at risk. Many Volunteers experience varying degrees
of unwanted attention and harassment. Petty thefts and
burglaries are not uncommon, and incidents of physical and
sexual assault do occur, although most Ethiopia Volunteers
complete their two years of service without personal security
incidents. The Peace Corps has established procedures and
policies designed to help you reduce your risks and enhance
34 PEACE CORPS
your safety and security. These procedures and policies, in
addition to safety training, will be provided once you arrive
in Ethiopia. At the same time, you are expected to take
responsibility for your safety and well-being.
36 PEACE CORPS
are some of the most important in the country’s modern
history. To join the people of Ethiopia in this effort, and to
be part of this historical and defining moment, will be both
fascinating and satisfying to Volunteers willing to work hard,
be tolerant, and give generously of their time.
Technical Training
Technical training will prepare you to work in Ethiopia by
building on the skills you already have and helping you
develop new skills in a manner appropriate to the needs of the
country. The Peace Corps staff, Ethiopia experts, and current
Volunteers will conduct the training program. Training places
great emphasis on learning how to transfer the skills you have
to the community in which you will serve as a Volunteer.
Language Training
As a Peace Corps Volunteer, you will find that language skills
are the key to personal and professional satisfaction during
Cross-Cultural Training
As part of your pre-service training, you will live with an
Ethiopian host family. This experience is designed to ease
your transition to life at your site. Families go through an
orientation conducted by Peace Corps staff to explain the
purpose of pre-service training and to assist them in helping
you adapt to living in Ethiopia. Many Volunteers form strong
and lasting friendships with their host families.
40 PEACE CORPS
Health Training
During pre-service training, you will be given basic medical
training and information. You will be expected to practice
preventive health care and to take responsibility for your
own health by adhering to all medical policies. Trainees are
required to attend all medical sessions. The topics include
preventive health measures and minor and major medical
issues that you might encounter while in Ethiopia. Nutrition,
mental health, safety and security, setting up a safe living
compound, and how to avoid HIV/AIDS and other sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs) are also covered.
Safety Training
During the safety training sessions, you will learn how to
adopt a lifestyle that reduces your risks at home, at work, and
during your travels. You will also learn appropriate, effective
strategies for coping with unwanted attention and about your
individual responsibility for promoting safety throughout
your service.
42 PEACE CORPS
NOTES
46 PEACE CORPS
Abstinence is the only certain choice for preventing infection
with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. You are
taking risks if you choose to be sexually active. To lessen risk,
use a condom every time you have sex. Whether your partner
is a host country citizen, a fellow Volunteer, or anyone else,
do not assume this person is free of HIV/AIDS or other STDs.
You will receive more information from the medical officer
about this important issue.
48 PEACE CORPS
Before You Leave: A Medical Checklist
If there has been any change in your health—physical, mental,
or dental—since you submitted your examination reports to
the Peace Corps, you must immediately notify the Office of
Medical Services. Failure to disclose new illnesses, injuries,
allergies, or pregnancy can endanger your health and may
jeopardize your eligibility to serve.
If your dental exam was done more than a year ago, or if your
physical exam is more than two years old, contact the Office
of Medical Services to find out whether you need to update
your records. If your dentist or Peace Corps dental consultant
has recommended that you undergo dental treatment or
repair, you must complete that work and make sure your
dentist sends requested confirmation reports or X-rays to the
Office of Medical Services.
If you wear eyeglasses, bring two pairs with you—a pair and
a spare. If a pair breaks, the Peace Corps will replace it, using
the information your doctor in the United States provided
on the eyeglasses form during your examination. The Peace
Corps discourages you from using contact lenses during your
service to reduce your risk of developing a serious infection
or other eye disease. Most Peace Corps countries do not have
appropriate water and sanitation to support eye care with
the use of contact lenses. The Peace Corps will not supply
or replace contact lenses or associated solutions unless an
ophthalmologist has recommended their use for a specific
medical condition and the Peace Corps’ Office of Medical
Services has given approval.
50 PEACE CORPS
Safety and Security—Our Partnership
Serving as a Volunteer overseas entails certain safety
and security risks. Living and traveling in an unfamiliar
environment, a limited understanding of the local language
and culture, and the perception of being a wealthy American
are some of the factors that can put a Volunteer at risk.
Property theft and burglaries are not uncommon. Incidents
of physical and sexual assault do occur, although almost all
Volunteers complete their two years of service without serious
personal safety problems. In addition, more than 83 percent
of Volunteers surveyed in the 2008 Peace Corps Volunteer
Survey say they would join the Peace Corps again.
52 PEACE CORPS
Risk factors can vary within countries throughout the world
that are served by the Peace Corps. A Volunteer in Ethiopia
may face risks specific to this country in addition to risks
associated with living in a developing country.
54 PEACE CORPS
they occur, not only to protect their peer Volunteers, but also
to preserve the future right to prosecute. Should Volunteers
decide later in the process that they want to proceed with the
prosecution of their assailant, this option may no longer exist
if the evidence of the event has not been preserved at the
time of the incident.
7.0
6.2 6.2
6.0 5.3 Ethiopia
5.0 Africa
4.1 4.1
4.0
2.7
3.0
2.0
1.1
0.7 0.8
1.0
0.0 0.0
0.0
Sexual Other Sexual Physical Robbery Burglary Theft
Assault* Assault** Assault***
*Sexual Assault includes the categories of rape, attempted rape, and major sexual assault.
**Other Sexual Assault consists of unwanted groping, fondling, and/or kissing.
***Physical Assault includes aggravated assault and major physical assault.
1Incidence rates equal the number of assaults per 100 Volunteers and trainees
per year (V/T years). Since most sexual assaults occur against females, only
female V/Ts are calculated in sexual assaults and other sexual assaults.
2Due to the small number of V/T years, incidence rates should be interpreted
with caution.
3Data collection for Ethiopia began as of 2007.
Source data on incidents are drawn from Assault Notification Surveillance
System (ANSS),
Epidemiologic Surveillance System (ESS), and Crime Incident Reporting
Form (CIRF);
the information is accurate as of 9/04/09.
Prior to CIRF and prior to 2006, Other Sexual Assaults were termed Minor
Sexual Assault.
56 PEACE CORPS
areas, including safety and security. Once in-country, use the
tools and information shared with you to remain as safe and
secure as possible.
58 PEACE CORPS
learning the local language, acting responsibly, and abiding
by Peace Corps policies and procedures. Serving safely and
effectively in Ethiopia may require that you accept some
restrictions on your current lifestyle.
60 PEACE CORPS
You will also learn about Peace Corps/Ethiopia’s detailed
emergency action plan, which is implemented in the event of
civil or political unrest or a natural disaster. When you arrive
at your site, you will complete and submit a site locator form
with your address, contact information, and a map to your
house. If there is a security threat, you will gather with other
Volunteers in Ethiopia at predetermined locations until the
situation is resolved or the Peace Corps decides
to evacuate.
64 PEACE CORPS
are expected to show deference to men and do most of the
housework. Sexual harassment (e.g., men making unwanted
comments) is common. As a Volunteer, it is important to
stand up for your rights and beliefs as a person while still
being culturally sensitive. Female Volunteers should expect
curiosity from host country friends regarding their marital
status and whether they have children, and if not, why.
66 PEACE CORPS
or interruption of service. The Peace Corps/Ethiopia staff
will work with disabled Volunteers to make reasonable
accommodations for them in training, housing, jobsites, or
other areas to enable them to serve safely and effectively.
70 PEACE CORPS
subject to loss, theft, and breakage, and in many places,
satisfactory maintenance and repair services are not available.
72 PEACE CORPS
NOTES
76 PEACE CORPS
bonds with other Volunteers, and having an adventure every
day. The frustrating and challenging situations are found
while awkwardly discovering the unique culture in Ethiopia,
being called “ferengi” (foreigner) by children everywhere and
feeling a universe away from America.
Trying to describe a “typical day” here is nearly impossible,
but to give you an idea, I often spend my time filling buckets
of water, washing laundry by hand, cooking food from scratch,
or surviving a trip to the market. I was thinking when I came
here that I wanted anything but a 9 to 5 job, and in my town,
I definitely found what I was looking for. Working with the
HIV/AIDS problem here is nothing like a structured 40-hour
work week in America. I am partnered with the Ethiopian
government’s HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office in
my town of 35,000 people. Much of my work is with this
organization, planning prevention events, teaching about
HIV to high school students, or creating my own projects
according to the needs of my town. Each Volunteer finds his
or her own unique niche and everyone’s projects are
slightly varied.
They say Peace Corps is the toughest job you will ever love
and I definitely agree. The whole experience is filled with ups
and downs, highs and lows, but overall I am loving my Peace
Corps experience. It is challenging, but each day I am growing
and learning. You will soon have the three goals of Peace
Corps drilled into your minds, but it is important to remember
that one-third is being involved in sustainable projects,
while two-thirds is about cultural exchange. I spend a lot of
time getting to know neighbors and colleagues, or fielding
questions about life in America.
The details of daily life here really depend on how big your
site is. Some Volunteers have a full bathroom with running
water, while others haul water from a river and bathe in
buckets. Some Volunteers have sitemates, but others are a
five-hour bus ride away from another Volunteer. The key to
78 PEACE CORPS
NOTES
General Clothing
Bring clothing that makes you feel good, but still works with
Ethiopian dress standards. You will find that clothing you
bring from home will suffer more wear and tear than usual,
so don’t bring anything you will be sad to see ruined. Most
Ethiopians wear the same outfit for several days – you will
probably adopt the same practice. Also, Ethiopians are pretty
thin people so finding clothes in-country can be difficult.
Height is different too.
Some suggestions:
Shoes
Durable shoes are essential. Shoes will wear out more quickly
in Ethiopia because of all the walking you will do. Sizes run
small so most American sizes are not available.
82 PEACE CORPS
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Lip balm (with SPF)
• Face wash or scrub/acne medicine (expensive
in-country)
• Q-tips/cotton balls
• Nail clippers/tweezers
• Wet wipes (useful during traveling or water shortages)
• Shampoo and conditioner (not the best quality
in country)
• Pumice stone/loofah (your skin will get dirtier
in Ethiopia)
Recreation/Entertainment
You will find yourself with an unprecedented amount of free
time once you are at site, particularly at night. Bring your
favorite hobbies or materials to learn new ones, such as:
Kitchen/Household Items
Most kitchenware/household items can be found in the capital
or big cities. However, the first couple of months are not spent
in these cities. Some useful items include:
Miscellaneous
• Pens and pencils, stationary, and journals
• Alarm clock
• Rechargeable batteries with two round pin adapters
(continental Europe transformer)
• Head lamp and/or flashlight (a small keychain with one
is very useful)
• Earplugs
• Sewing kit and scissors
84 PEACE CORPS
• Sun glasses and bandanas/hat
• Tools such as Leatherman/Swiss Army knife and duct
tape
• Solar shower
• Cash
• Pictures from home
• Checks from a U.S. bank account (handy for ordering
things from home)
• Umbrella
• Good pillow
Family
❒ Notify family that they can call the Peace Corps’ Office
of Special Services at any time if there is a critical
illness or death of a family member (24-hour telephone
number: 800.424.8580, extension 1470).
Passport/Travel
Medical/Health
Insurance
Personal Papers
Voting
88 PEACE CORPS
Personal Effects
❒ Purchase personal property insurance to extend from
the time you leave your home for service overseas until
the time you complete your service and return to the
United States.
Financial Management
For Direct/
Questions Toll-free Local
About: Staff Extension Number
Responding to Office of
an Invitation Placement
Africa
Region Ext. 1840 202.692.1840
Medical Handled by a
Reimbursements Subcontractor 800.818.8772
92 PEACE CORPS
PEACE CORPS
Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters
1111 20th Street NW · Washington, DC 20526 · www.peacecorps.gov · 1-800-424-8580
A WELCOME BOOK · ETHIOPIA 93