KEYIR NEWS - In a major stride to strengthen the quality of secondary education in Ethiopia, the Ministry of Education has launched an ambitious summer training program aimed at enhancing the competence of over 84,000 secondary school teachers and school leaders across the country.
The training is set to begin next Monday across 30 universities nationwide, marking one of the largest teacher development initiatives in the country’s recent history.
Minister of Education, Professor Berhanu Nega, emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative during a preparatory forum held with university leaders. He underscored that improving the capabilities of educators is foundational to achieving Ethiopia’s educational goals.
“This training is not just a seasonal activity, it is a national priority,” said Professor Berhanu. “The future of our education system rests on how well we equip those who lead our classrooms and schools. We expect universities to take full responsibility for the success of this program.”
The summer program is designed to be subject-specific, meaning teachers will receive tailored instruction based on the disciplines they teach. Participants will be assessed throughout the training and will receive certificates upon successful completion of the modules.
The Minister urged the leadership of the 30 participating universities to uphold their commitments in ensuring high-quality training. Universities are expected to provide logistical support, qualified trainers, and effective assessment systems to facilitate the smooth running of the program.
“University leaders play a pivotal role,” Professor Berhanu reiterated. “The content and delivery of this training must reflect excellence. We are calling on every institution to show accountability.”
Dr. Muluken Ngatu, Executive Director of the Teachers and School Leaders Development program, echoed the Minister’s sentiments. He noted that collaboration between universities and the Ministry of Education is essential to ensure the training achieves its objectives.
“This is not just about lectures in classrooms,” Dr. Muluken said. “It’s about building a community of educators who are better equipped to respond to the evolving demands of modern education.”
He further highlighted that teacher evaluations would be thorough, with the intention of tracking progress and identifying areas for continuous professional development beyond the summer program.
This year’s initiative significantly expands on the groundwork laid in 2024, when over 52,000 secondary school teachers and school leaders participated in a similar summer training program. The dramatic increase in scale this year reflects both the government’s commitment to education reform and the positive outcomes observed in the previous round.
This massive training effort comes at a critical time for Ethiopia’s education sector. As the country works to raise academic standards and ensure equitable access to quality education, the professional development of teachers and school administrators is seen as a vital lever for systemic change.
By investing in the skills of educators, the Ministry of Education aims to boost student learning outcomes, foster innovative teaching practices, and ultimately ensure that every child in Ethiopia has access to high-quality secondary education.
As the 30 universities prepare to open their doors next Monday, the message from the Ministry is clear: quality education begins with quality teachers, and this summer, Ethiopia is investing in both.