In a remarkable turnaround, Djazemach Wondarad School in Addis Ababa has jumped from 105th to 2nd place among 327 schools, thanks to the International Leadership Foundation (ILF) Ethiopia Transformation Project. This pilot project, initiated by the ILF Education Team, aimed to enhance the school environment and promote transformational change.
Recognizing Excellence
To achieve this goal, the project introduced a reward system to recognize and motivate outstanding teachers. An evaluation tool, based on ILF’s 12 Transforming Leadership Principes, also called the 12Cs, was developed to identify top performers. Seventeen teachers were selected, and the top three received recognition awards and certificates in a ceremony attended by the district education department head and education domain chairperson.
Transformational Outcomes
The project’s impact extends beyond teacher recognition. Key achievements include:
- Vision and Strategy: Developing a clear vision, strategies, and planning for the school’s future.
- Capacity Building: Enhancing internal efficiency through farming and feeding programs.
- Community Empowerment: Creating job opportunities and promoting social-based community service.
- Sustainability: Establishing a school garden and nature-based green legacy activities.
- Improved Standards: Raising school-level standards to become a national and international center of excellence.
- Model for Early Childhood Development: Serving as a model for early childhood development.
A Model for Future Success
This pilot project will expand to other districts in Addis Ababa and eventually nationwide, aiming to produce quality graduates with good moral values who contribute to socio-economic development and leadership. The ILF Ethiopia Transformation Project demonstrates the power of collaborative efforts in transforming education and empowering communities.
Similar initiatives, such as the Feed the Future Ethiopia program (USAID), are also working to improve food security, nutrition, and economic growth in the country. ¹ By sharing best practices and lessons learned, these projects can inspire further innovation and progress in Ethiopia’s education and development sectors.
Resources:
https://www.usaid.gov/ethiopia/agriculture-and-food-security/feed-future
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