The target population in education policy during the Haile Selassie government in Ethiopia (1930–1974) primarily included several key groups:
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Children and Youth: The primary focus was on providing education to children and youth, particularly in urban areas. Efforts were made to increase enrollment in primary schools and later expand access to secondary and higher education.
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Rural Populations: While the urban population was initially prioritized, there were attempts to reach rural communities, although access remained limited. Educational initiatives aimed to provide basic literacy and vocational training to rural children and adults.
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Women and Girls: Although women's access to education was significantly restricted, there were some initiatives aimed at improving educational opportunities for girls, particularly in urban settings.
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Educators: Teachers and educational staff were also a target population, as there was a need for professional development and training to improve the quality of education.
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Ethnic Groups: Ethiopian education policy during this period also had to consider the diverse ethnic groups within the country, though the curriculum often favored the majority ethnic group and the Amharic language.
Education policy under Haile Selassie was characterized by efforts to modernize the education system, but significant disparities remained between urban and rural areas, as well as between different socioeconomic and ethnic groups. The emphasis was on creating a national identity and promoting modernity through education, but access and quality often varied widely.