The target population of education policy under the Haile Selassie regime in Ethiopia primarily included school-aged children, young adults seeking higher education, and teachers. The policies were designed to promote literacy, improve educational access, and foster national identity among Ethiopian citizens.
During Haile Selassie's reign (1930-1974), there was a significant emphasis on modernization and Westernization in order to strengthen the nation. The education policies often aimed to:
-
Expand Access: Increase the number of educational institutions and enrollment rates, particularly in urban areas, while also addressing rural education needs.
-
Promote Literacy: Implement programs aimed at reducing illiteracy rates among the population, recognizing that literacy was critical for socio-economic development.
-
Modernize Education: Introduce modern curricula that included subjects like science, mathematics, and technology, while also promoting a curriculum that instilled a sense of national pride and identity.
-
Train Educators: Focus on the professional development of teachers to improve the quality of education and ensure that educators were well-prepared to teach.
-
Higher Education: Establish universities and technical institutions to produce skilled professionals who could contribute to national development.
In summary, the education policies during the Haile Selassie regime were intended to serve a broad segment of the population, with a particular focus on fostering an educated citizenry that could participate in the modernization and development of Ethiopia.