Indicating that the third GEQIP-E Program would be launched as of July 2018, without leaving behind the task done so far in GEQIP I and II, the third program will focus on the equity so as to access quality education for all.
By Girmachew Gashaw (The Ethiopian Herald)
ADDIS ABABA–The Ministry of Education is finalizing preparation to put in place the third phase of General Education Quality Improvement Package for Equity (GEQIP-E).
In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, General Education State Minister Mohammed Ahmedin said that the Program would give high emphasis to equity and address a number of cross cutting issues, including gender, special needs education and school health and nutrition.
Attention would also be given to provide more support to emerging states.
Indicating that the third GEQIP-E Program would be launched as of July 2018, without leaving behind the task done so far in GEQIP I and II, the third program will focus on the equity so as to access quality education for all.
It is expected to bring additional improvements in line with the fifth Education Sector Development Program (ESDP).
The major area of focus, according to him, is ensuring educational system internal efficiency. This means, it does not mean focusing on bringing children to school alone, it would rather give concern to retaining them. Generally, it would focus on school dropouts, repetition rates and every level of education accomplishment.
In the third GEQIP-E program, new implementation methods would be put in place. Considering the different nature of challenges that the states may face, the Program would allow them to execute it through inserting special indicators.
Recalling that 440 million USD loan agreement has been signed between the Ethiopian government and the World Bank, he said various partners have been supporting the GEQIP-E programs. Though the Ethiopian government has signed the agreement as initial wealth to execute the program, others donors are expected to come once it is commenced. If there is a gap, the Ethiopian government will fill it.
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Hence, the wealth that is gained both from donors, families and the government should be spent appropriately for the required purpose.
GEQIP I and II have been implemented over the past ten years focusing on quality indicators alone. It was learned that the second GEQIP II has been implemented since 2014 and it would phase out beginning from July.
So far, 76 million copies of internationally standardized textbooks are also published and disseminated in schools. Thus, huge capital is invested to develop the curriculum, finance educational institutions, build capacity of teachers’ and executive bodies. About 5.5 million USD is also dispersed for over 35,000 schools and non-compulsory basic education centers in the form of school grant. The number of teachers and their professional careers have been upgraded.
Source: The Ethiopian Herald