Non-formal education in Ethiopia

The term "non-formal" is currently being used to describe educational activities of this type. The activities which came under our review are being undertaken by several governmental ministries, quasi-governmental or, as they are called in Ethiopia, parastatal organizations, and private organizations. Most of the activities being conducted are for the purpose of maintaining governmental services, the improvement of living standards, or as the goals in agriculture and rural life. The activities vary widely in their structure, sponsorship, duration, history, leadership, educational methods, cost, and quality. By no stretch of the imagination could they be called a "system." They are rather a heterogeneous group of activities conducted essentially for out-of-school youth and adults -- many of whom are illiterate -- without coordinated policy or direction. They, or newly projected activities of broadly similar characteristics, are, however, looked to by educational and developmental planners to be the principal means of reaching the rural masses, improving living standards, and achieving developmental goals of critical importance to the Empire.