Addis Ababa, September 28, 2009 -- The US government on Monday announced a $80 million donation to support Ethiopia’s education programmes as part of the country’s move to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the education sector.

“The American people, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), announced support for six new education programs to improve quality education in Ethiopia.

The programs, worth over US$80 million over the next five years, will support on-going efforts to develop, and improve the quality of, Ethiopia’s educational system,” said USAID Ethiopian office.

Ethiopian Education minister Demeke Mekonnen, and USAID-Ethiopia Mission Director, Thomas H. Staal signed the agreement declared under the theme “Partnership Striving for Quality Education.”

“USAID recognizes that education is the key to development. We will continue to partner with the Ministry of Education for the benefit of the Ethiopian people until we can say together that Ethiopia has achieved quality education for all,” Staal said.

The General education quality improvement package (GEQIP) which is the Ethiopian government’s plan for improving the quality of education in the country, includes increasing access to education for all citizens.

USAID’s new education programs will complement the GEQIP through a holistic approach by training teachers and education officers, improving the quality of education and learning materials, supporting community organizations such as Girl’s Advisory Committees, and building alternative basic education centers for children in remote areas.

Source: APA