During the regime of Haile Selassie in Ethiopia, which lasted from the early 1930s until the overthrow in 1974, several key stakeholders were involved in the educational policy process. These actors played significant roles in shaping the direction of education in the country. The main stakeholders included:
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Emperor Haile Selassie I: As the head of state, he was the primary decision-maker and had a profound influence on educational policies. He promoted modernization and reform in education as a means of national development.
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Government Officials: Various ministries, particularly the Ministry of Education, were integral in formulating and implementing educational policies. Officials and bureaucrats within these ministries developed strategies to expand education across Ethiopia.
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Scholars and Educators: Teachers, researchers, and educational leaders contributed to the development of curricula, teaching methods, and educational standards. They played a role in shaping both primary and secondary education in the country.
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Religious Institutions: The Ethiopian Orthodox Church was a significant player in education, particularly in the early years. The church managed many schools and was involved in the moral and ethical education of students.
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International Organizations and NGOs: Several foreign governments and international organizations, such as UNESCO, began to take an interest in Ethiopian education, providing funding, expertise, and support for educational initiatives.
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Local Communities: Community leaders and parents influenced educational policy at the local level, advocating for schools and resources for their children.
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Students: Student movements emerged during this period, particularly in the 1960s and early 1970s, advocating for educational reforms, democratization, and broader social changes.
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Political Parties: Various political factions, including those emerging towards the end of Haile Selassie's reign, began to articulate their visions for education as part of their broader ideological platforms.
The interplay among these stakeholders contributed to significant changes in Ethiopia's educational landscape, including efforts to modernize the curriculum and expand access to education, although these changes often faced challenges due to economic conditions and political unrest.