During Emperor Haile Selassie's reign in Ethiopia, which lasted from 1930 to 1974, several key stakeholders were involved in the formulation and implementation of educational policies. These stakeholders played various roles in shaping the educational landscape of Ethiopia during this period:
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Emperor Haile Selassie: As the head of state, he was a crucial architect of educational policies. He believed in modernization and westernization, promoting education as a means to develop the nation.
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The Ethiopian Orthodox Church: The Church had a significant role in education, controlling many schools and influencing the curriculum. It was a traditional source of education, focusing on religious teachings alongside basic literacy.
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Government Officials: Ministers and bureaucrats, particularly those in the Ministry of Education, were responsible for designing and implementing educational policies. They facilitated the establishment of new schools and institutions.
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Foreign Educators and Advisors: International agencies and foreign experts, particularly those from the United States and Europe, assisted in educational reform, providing technical support and expertise.
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Local Communities: Parents and community leaders were stakeholders as they often contributed to the establishment of schools and were involved in educational decision-making at the local level.
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Students and Teachers: Teachers were directly impacted by educational policies and played a role in expressing needs and challenges within the education system. Students, as the primary beneficiaries of education, were also stakeholders whose experiences influenced policy discussions.
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International Organizations: Entities like UNESCO and other non-governmental organizations provided support, resources, and frameworks for educational reform.
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Intellectuals and Educators: Scholars and educators, both in Ethiopia and abroad, contributed to discussions on curriculum development, teaching methodologies, and educational philosophy, advocating for modern educational practices.
The collaboration and sometimes tension among these stakeholders influenced Ethiopia's educational evolution during Haile Selassie's government, which sought to modernize the system but faced challenges, including resource limitations and varying regional needs.