Education and Educational Institutions in Wolqite Town: An Historical Survey

ABSTRACT This study focused on the historical survey on the development of Modern education and educational institution in Wolkite town since the introduction of modern education in the town in 1943.The study used both primary and secondary data sources. The primary data sources, archival sources, discussion with an eye witness, and interviews. As secondary sources, educational institution, schools, colleges, universities, and documents reports, books, magazines, dissertations, thesis, Journals, and other published and unpublished materials were used. Analyzed data were described using both qualitative and quantitative statistics. It was found that traditional education in Wolkite takes place in school and off school system, in the pre and during the imperial regime like other places. It was dominated by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and Islam in teaching of wisdom, skills, traditions and moral values of society using oral literatures. In the establishment of modern education the imperial regime showed due emphasis through introducing 30% educational tax on land and allow nongovernmental organizations to take part in the sector though the number is limited to four primary school. The major emphasis was given to the primary and secondary education more than 85%. Literacy campaign was one of the brilliant approach that increase the literacy rate by more than 50% that contribute to expansion of modern education. There were limitations in the regime with quality as a result of some expansion but their contribution in education to the rural parts of the country and access of educational opportunity for all was significant. After the fall of Derg regime, EPRDF control the power during this time there were policy changes like change of the school level organization, language of education and scripts, allowing nongovernmental institutions to participate in the sector which made a significant role in the educational system. The expansion of modern education during this regime was very great, regardless of the quality related problems. In wolkite there was a big change in number of schools especially in preschool level (K.G). The educational policy plays a great role through allowing private individuals and institutions to participate in the educational sector, which was the major bottleneck during the Derg regime. Hence in the previous two regimes the community of Wolkite was played a great role for development of educational activities of the town.