Digital Education Methodology in Ethiopia Reform Action (DEMERA)

My dedication to advancing digital education in Ethiopia through volunteer service is rooted in my unique educational journey. Having had the privilege of pursuing both my BBA and MBA degrees in Finland, I am acutely aware of the profound impact education can have on an individual’s life. Finland’s renowned education system is celebrated globally for its exceptional quality and innovative approach.

While Finland’s education system serves as a model for excellence, its success is not solely attributed to a single factor but rather a combination of elements. These include a robust social welfare system, highly trained educators, a focus on personalized learning with 21st-century teaching methodologies, and a culture that reveres education. It’s important to note that replicating this system verbatim in other nations is challenging due to disparities in culture, demographics, and educational infrastructure.

The Ethiopian education system grapples with multifaceted challenges, as revealed by research conducted by the Ethiopian Ministry of Education. These challenges encompass systemic issues, limited access, uneven distribution of educational services, efficiency concerns, and deficiencies in quality and relevance. Furthermore, the fundamental UNESCO principle of imparting education in a child’s native language, particularly in primary school, has been overlooked.

The Ethiopian Ministry of Education’s report on Education and Training Policy Implementation underscores these persistent issues: “The long-standing problems associated with the Ethiopian education system were essentially limited and inequitable access, lack of quality and relevance, and continuous decline in quality and standard.”

Recognizing these hurdles, colleagues from Ethiopia and of Ethiopian descent, alongside myself, established the Digital Education Methodology in Ethiopia Reform Action (DEMERA). Our goal is to modernize Ethiopia’s traditional teaching approach through digital content education, complemented by a comprehensive curriculum reform program, and to introduce 21st-century teaching methods.

DEMERA, operating as a local NGO in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Digital Education Methodology and Reform in Ethiopia. We recognize that digital education has become an integral part of modern education systems, offering numerous benefits that facilitate lifelong learning, career development, and greater access to knowledge and skills for individuals worldwide.

Drawing upon my two decades of experience and my educational background, I am eager to contribute my volunteer service to advance digital education and pass on our knowledge to the next generation. DEMERA’s mission is firmly grounded in the pursuit of digital education advancement and educational reform, emphasizing inclusivity, diversity, and equal opportunities. We firmly believe that education is the cornerstone of positive socio-economic change and that digital tools have the potential to greatly amplify its impact.

Our primary focus at DEMERA centers on enabling and supporting digital education. We are particularly driven by the immense potential of young, talented women in Ethiopia. In May 2023, we had the privilege of visiting Wollo University, where we gained invaluable insights into the aspirations and determination of these exceptional students. Leveraging our expertise and a deep understanding of prevailing market demands in cloud technology, we are expanding our reach beyond Addis Ababa, specifically targeting Kombolcha, an industrial hub. Our objective is to promote inclusivity and provide equal opportunities to university students.

Additionally, within the Ethiopian ICT ecosystem, we observe a notable absence of active participation by young women professionals. Even among those who do engage, some may hesitate to step into the spotlight. DEMERA acknowledges the imperative of empowering young women by granting them access to high-quality education in technology-related fields. This approach not only integrates them into the digital era but also addresses the gender gap within technology-related industries.

I extend a heartfelt invitation to professionals and individuals to support this initiative in any way possible, be it through the provision of digital education devices or knowledge transfer sessions. Together, we can foster positive change and create a brighter future for Ethiopia through the power of digital education.