Main Menu

VSO - Sharing Skills, Changing Lives

Michela Norman

Name: Michela Norman
Background: Physics teacher
VSO role: Physics teacher trainer, Awassa College of Teacher Education

VSO really likes to stretch you to your full ability!

When I applied, I was hoping to be looking after teachers in high schools or primary schools. Then they offered me a job in a teacher training college in Awassa. I was quite apprehensive, because my previous experience was solely based in the classroom. But I've since realised that with twelve years' teaching experience, I've actually got lots to offer.

The methods I've brought to the training college have been really well received. But I wouldn't be able to do my job without my colleagues here. Ways of doing things in the UK aren't necessarily right for Ethiopia. I have to listen to my colleagues - especially about cultural issues - and we find a way to do things in the end.

My colleagues are great fun to work with - we're always in the coffee lounge laughing together, and that's really important for me to enjoy work. And other people's attitudes towards me - my neighbours, shop keepers - have been really welcoming. They're all so interested in what I'm doing.

I love Awassa. The campus is beautiful and I like my work here, so it'll be very difficult to leave. I now have 23 colleagues that I know really well, so it'll be hard to say goodbye to them. I have to say that my job's been pretty easy, and that's all down to them. Because they've had volunteers at this college for a while, they know all about VSO. They genuinely want people to come in and suggest new ways of doing things - they're really enthusiastic about different methods. And they truly value people coming over here and helping with the work.