Asnakech Worku

An Ethiopian educator and writer who promoted women's literacy and cultural preservation.

Asnakech Worku: Ethiopia's Unsung Literacy Crusader

Asnakech Worku (1908-1974) was a pioneering Ethiopian educator and author who revolutionized women's access to education during a time when only 5% of Ethiopian women could read. Born in Addis Ababa to a family of intellectuals, she became one of the first Ethiopian women to complete secondary education, graduating from the Addis Ababa Technical School in 1928.

Founding the First Women's School

In 1935, Worku established the Mentewab School, Ethiopia's first girls' school offering both academic and vocational training. This institution challenged traditional norms by teaching subjects like physics and mathematics alongside Amharic literature. By 1940, it had produced Ethiopia's first female engineers and nurses.

Literacy Campaigns

During Haile Selassie's reign, she led nationwide literacy campaigns using innovative methods like mobile classrooms and radio broadcasts. Her 1947 National Literacy Report revealed that 70% of students in her programs were from rural areas, a remarkable achievement in a country with limited infrastructure.

Cultural Preservation

Worku documented oral traditions through her 1952 book Ethiopian Women's Voices, which preserved folktales and songs from diverse ethnic groups. She also founded the National Folklore Archive, ensuring cultural heritage was recorded in both Amharic and local languages.

Legacy

Her work laid the foundation for Ethiopia's modern education system, with current initiatives like the UNICEF Girls' Education Program directly inspired by her models. The Asnakech Award, given annually to female educators, honors her enduring impact. Her 1965 memoir Writing the Future remains a vital resource for African educational historians.