Germany promises enhanced partnership in fields of education

Addis Ababa February 8, 2016 (SDN/QJ):- Germany will continue to be the key partner of Ethiopia in capacity building and in producing qualified professionals, announced German Ambassador to Ethiopia Joachim Schmidt.

 

Speaking at the International Dean’s Course Africa Workshop held in Addis Ababa today, Ambassador Schmidt said his country will continue efforts of offering valuable support to Ethiopian higher learning institutions.

 

Providing trainings and educational opportunities to the youths will have a decisive impact on the overall socio-economic development, he remarked.

 

“Ethiopia has young and vibrant working force that can be able to sustain the rapid economic growth,” the Ambassador claimed.

 

“The 32 universities which were opened in Ethiopia nowadays need qualified and skillful professionals. Germany is willing to step up its support to enhance quality education in Ethiopia.’’

 

German academicians have been working in different Ethiopian higher learning institutions and many Ethiopians have been pursuing their higher education in German universities as well, the diplomat recalled.

 

Vice President of Addis Ababa University Tassew Gebrehana (PhD) on his part said Ethiopian Higher Learning Institutions have been given an important role by the government to conduct researches that bear crucial input for the Second Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP2).

 

“The country is working to increase the number of universities. Besides increasing in quantity, quality of education should be attained,” the VP said.

 

“Our government has been working with Germany and other stakeholders to enhance quality of education.”

 

Admitting the tough job of administrating higher education institutions, the Vice President has urged heads of departments and deans to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to respond to challenges of managing higher learning institutions.

 

In addition, he called for private universities and colleges to contribute part in collaboration with their governmental counterparts.