History
Background of Ethiopian Education
Christian and Islamic religious institutions had served as pillars for the introduction of Literacy education for centuries and bridged the foundation of modern education in Ethiopia.
Today, our directory connects families with over 150 boarding schools across all regions of Ethiopia, continuing this proud tradition of educational excellence and accessibility.
There is a presumption that modern education has been introduced by the missionaries. The first modern school, dubbed Menelik II was first established in 1908 in the capital, by Emperor Menelik II.
Our mission is to honor this legacy by providing a comprehensive platform that showcases the rich history and achievements of Ethiopia's boarding schools, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to receive quality education.
Between 1942 and 1974, approximately 2,000 schools, ranging from grade one to grade 12 were opened across various provinces of the country. Additionally, 14 colleges and four universities were established. After Emperor Haile-Silase’s abdication and the ruling of the Derg regime, H.E Mr. Tadesses Terefa was appointed as the first Minster of Arts and Education.
In 1975, research was conducted, and the Institution’s name dubbed as ‘Ministry of Education and Arts’ has changed to the ‘Ministry of Education.’ Accordingly, Haile-Gebriel Dagne (Dr) from 1974-1977, Terefe Woldetsadik (Dr.) from 1977-1978, Colonel Goshu Wolde from 1972-1976,
Mr. Billgne Mandefro from 1983-1987, Yayehrad Kitaw (Dr.) from 1987-1991 had served the Ministry of Education as Ministers. Until the fall of the Derg government 8,434 primary schools, 275 secondary schools, 17 technical and vocational training institutions, two universities, three institutes and colleges had educated around two million five hundred thousand students.
In 1991, following the Derg's departure and the establishment of a transitional government led by the EPRDF, the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) was assigned responsibility for the Ministry of Education. Mr. Ibsa Gutema, the representative of OLF, was appointed Minister of Education. He led the Ministry from August 1992 until OLF resigned from the transitional government. Following his departure, Ms. Genet Zewde (later an ambassador) took over leadership and served until 2006. Sintayehu Woldemichael (Dr.) succeeded her from 2006 to 2009, followed by Mr. Demeke Mekonnen, who led the Ministry from 2009 to 2013. Mr. Shiferaw Shegute then served the Ministry from 2013 to 2017, and Shiferaw Teklemariam was in charge from October 2017 until July 2017.