The education policy of Haile Selassie's government in Ethiopia, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s, aimed at modernizing and expanding the education system of the country. Here are some key objectives and features of the education policy during that era:
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Universal Education: The government sought to increase literacy rates and provide access to education for all children, regardless of their social or economic backgrounds.
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Modernization of Curriculum: The focus was on reforming the curriculum to include modern subjects such as science, mathematics, and foreign languages, moving away from traditional religious education.
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Expansion of Educational Institutions: There was a significant emphasis on establishing new schools and higher education institutions to accommodate the growing population and to meet the demand for educated professionals.
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Technical and Vocational Training: The government aimed to promote technical and vocational education to enhance skills among the youth and address the needs of the economy.
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Cultural Integration: Efforts were made to promote Ethiopian culture and heritage within the educational framework while still incorporating elements of Western education.
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Training of Teachers: To improve the quality of education, the government focused on training and recruiting qualified teachers, including sending students abroad for advanced studies.
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Decentralization: The policy aimed at decentralizing education to make it more accessible, particularly in rural areas, by establishing schools closer to communities.
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Partnership with International Organizations: The government sought collaboration with various international organizations and countries to enhance educational efforts and receive technical assistance.
Despite these objectives, challenges such as political instability, economic limitations, and social inequalities affected the implementation and outcomes of the education policy during Haile Selassie's reign.