About Us

Vision and Mission

Vision

We believe that each child is born creative and curious and in Kelem International we will nurture this gift to collaboratively explore our immediate and wider world, carving a path for a confident and self-realized global citizen.

 

Mission

  • KIS will facilitate the realization of every child’s full potential.
  • KIS will work to develop resilient, curious, open-minded and reflective students who are able to express themselves fully and effectively.
  • KIS students will think critically, analyze and creatively solve problems to be adaptive in a rapidly changing world.
  • KIS will foster in the minds of our students that learning is a life-long endeavor, setting the example by the continued professional development of our teachers and staff.
  • KIS aims to produce responsible and compassionate global citizens, with respect and recognition of the rich heritage of our host country, Ethiopia.

Accreditation

Kelem's history

Kelem International School (KIS) is a new international school, which has been founded in 1949 as the Swedisch School

KIS is a newly created international school, with more than 72 years of experience as a community school under the Swedish Embassy. The Swedish Community School (SCS) was established in 1946 and has been a part of the Agreement on General Terms and Conditions for Development Cooperation. For a long time, the SCS served as a school for Swedish citizens living and working in Ethiopia. During the years, the school was run by different Swedish Principals following the Swedish Curriculum. During the past years, students from other countries are also attending school. 

After 72 years of service, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sweden has decided that Swedish embassies around the world shall no longer manage schools or any areas not directly linked to embassy work. Therefore, for a relatively long time, the embassy has had a discussion with the SCS Board and management on how the school could create its own foundation without being under the responsibility of the Swedish embassy. Following this, the parents of the Swedish Community School established a not-for-profit organization named Former Swedish Community School Parents Charitable Organization (FSCSPCO. The FSCSPCO was established as a not-for-profit, non-political, and non-religious charitable organization. It was registered with the FDRE Charities and Societies Agency on 15 March 2019. The embassy handed over the responsibility of the school to the FSCSPCO from July 2019. 

The FSCSPCO changed the name of the school to Kelem International School (KIS), Addis Ababa to represent the composure of the community in many aspects. In Amharic, ‘Kelem (ቀለም) means Color/Paint and it denotes wisdom and knowledge. For instance, if one says ” Someone is ‘kelem yegebaw/yekeda’ it implies that the person is enlightened/ knowledgeable/ well educated / intelligent/ well-read. Besides, ‘Kelem signifies the diversified & colorful community we have at our school. 

We belong to a diversified & vibrant community and enjoy active community involvement in our school in a variety of areas. FSCSPCO/KIS leadership team works in collaboration with all teachers to best meet the educational, social, and emotional needs of every child & adult in our school. Our staff and students live our school vision “Facilitating the realization of every child’s full potential”. We are paving the way and work by our Mission & Vision in all aspects of school life. We are an inclusive, caring school where staff, parents, and students all work together to develop our future citizens and leaders.