With a background in teaching, educational planning, and management, Samuel Wollie is passionate about contributing to inclusive social development through quality education. Over the last three decades, he has served in the Ethiopian education sector in various capacities, including as a high school teacher, academic dean at a teacher training college, and advisor at both regional and Federal levels within the Ministry of Education. He has also held senior education roles with several local and international NGOs and spent a decade as chief education program head at the UNESCO offices in Ethiopia and South Sudan.
Throughout his career, Samuel has deepened his knowledge of how to design and strengthen effective education programs. He is a strong advocate for the role of adult and nonformal education in driving social transformation and has contributed to baseline studies, the development of national adult education strategies, and the design of tailored programs in Ethiopia and South Sudan.
Samuel joined Geneva Global Ethiopia in 2016 and served as Country Director until 2025, during which time he led the expansion of the Speed School program and deepened government partnerships at all levels. Now serving as Senior Advisor, he provides strategic guidance to the team and supports ongoing program growth and innovation. His practical experience in curriculum design, teaching and learning, and assessment has been instrumental in advancing the Speed School model. Samuel is known for his ability to build strong relationships with partners, navigate complex challenges with diplomacy, and pursue ambitious goals with focus and humor.