A need to further decentralize education in Ethiopia and establish the Ethiopian Educational Equivalent Award System (EEAS) at each level.

An open letter to the Ethiopian Ministry of Education.

Theorists from various disciplines have explored the meaning of education. Many agree that education is a purposeful activity to achieve goals such as imparting knowledge, skills, and attitudes. However, beyond these general characteristics, there is extensive debate about its exact nature. We all agree that education aims to help students master a subject by acquiring knowledge, skills, and attributes. A great school promotes children's well-being by removing and ensuring barriers to learning and where all students flourish and are welcomed and wanted. The primary instrument of a great school is to draft a curriculum that engages and stimulates students and involves government, community, and local professionals to work together to explore interdisciplinary concepts and strategies critical to successful learning and teaching. The learning and teaching process without the cooperation of its societal ecosystem is an empty learning-teaching process without any objective or proper planning, leading to destruction. In education, it is essential to provide continuous professional support and development that increases the capacity of teachers and ensures that all school-based professionals are respected. Therefore, cultivating strong communication and collaboration among educators, school administrators, government officials, and parents is paramount in improving student achievement and well-being.

I remember we celebrated Parents' Day in my local school in Ethiopia, disorganized and confused. For some, June 30 was a day of revenge; for others, it was a day to be with loved ones. Although the festival was significant to the students, teachers, and the school administrator, it needed society's support, especially from government bodies.

The Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, stressed the need for education reform and invited all who can contribute to improving Ethiopia's education venue. The invitation is the right direction to improve education. I studied the recent educational curriculum and assessed the social and administrative ecosystem. I concluded that to meet the growing needs of the people, education in Ethiopia needs deep reform. Aligning curriculum with the local economy and rethinking the evaluation of the achievement of students, teachers, and the participation parts of the community is very necessary. Overvaluation without the proper tool can produce fake feedback. Therefore, we need to measure the supply and delivery, including the agent and outcome of the process, thus adapting the educational system to society's current needs.

Above all, education is the only tool to shape a better society by teaching young citizens to know and respect rights, laws, and regulations. Therefore, education needs to be a priority in society, especially in a society like ours with diverse knowledge deprivation, and we need to demonstrate that we can effectively implement the commitment of government officials, education professionals, and the rest of society that always dreams of living in peace and prosperity.

Based on my assessment of Ethiopia's current education situation, I suggest turning School Parents' Day into the all-meaning Ethiopian Education Award Day. On this day or days, let all Ethiopians highlight the importance of education and recognize and reward those who have made efforts to take education in Ethiopia to a higher level. The location can be directly virtual or a mix of both, but it must be nationally linked.

Details of the suggested school day celebration

Ethiopian Education Award Day is a grand regional educational interaction held every two years at a selected city location with cultural celebrations and sportsmanship. The day is named after the "Ethiopian Education Equity Award System" (EEAS). As states compete at the athletic level, the EEAS highlights academic achievements, student and school dedication, and achievement from childhood through high school completion. The mission of EEAS is to recognize and promote the quality of education at the national level.

?Interactions and Selection of Optimal Regions.

EEAS is a unique combination of different parts of Ethiopia. Zones compete in their regional administrations, which include Addis Ababa (City), Afar Region, Amhara Region, Benishangul Gumuz Region, Central Ethiopia Regional Government, Dredawa (City), Gambella Region, Harari Region, Oromia Region, Sidama Region, Somali Region, Southern Ethiopia, Regional Government, Southwest Ethiopia People's Region and Tigray Region. The top three category-winning regions of the country will get the medals. At the national level, the region with the highest performance in the competition will receive a gold medal, the runner-up will receive a silver, and the third and fourth will receive a well-deserved bronze medal.

The mission and value of EEAS.

Ethiopia's education award system is a competition and a catalyst for positive change in education. Here is how EEAS contributes to improving education at the national level:

1. Recognition and National Pride.

Participating in or winning the EEAS can create pride and achievement for students, teachers, and the entire state's education system. This recognition encourages students to achieve academic excellence and inspires teachers to innovate their teaching methods.

2. Benchmarking and Evaluation.

Rigorous evaluation of the EEAS education systems will help regions harmonize essential data and metrics. It helps identify the education system's strengths and weaknesses compared to other sectors and facilitates targeted reforms.

3. Providing the Best Product Solution and Innovation.?

The competitive nature of EEAS encourages states to innovate in education. Regions are encouraged to invest in new teaching techniques, curriculum improvements, and educational infrastructure and develop a culture of continuous improvement.

4. Sharing of Best Practices.?

Participating in EEASs facilitates the exchange of best practices between regions. It allows states to learn from each other's successful education policies and strategies, using practical methods that work in different contexts.

5. Increase Funding.

?Success in EEAS can attract significant financial support and educational resources from the public and private sectors. Investors are more willing to support education initiatives in strong-performing regions.

?6. National and International Cooperation.

EEAS promotes regional, national, and international cooperation and educational partnerships. Regions will develop cooperation with sister and brother schools at the national and international levels to promote educational innovation from their experiences and learn and jointly solve the daily challenges in their community.

?7. Government Commitment.

The evaluation of the EEAS is expected at all levels of government administration. It motivates them to prioritize education in their policy agendas, which allows for increased resource allocation and policies aimed at improving the quality of education.

8. ?Student and Teacher Exchange Programs.

Regions with robust education systems can participate in national and international student and teacher exchange programs. This combination of ideas and teaching methods enriches the learning experience of students and teachers.

9. Parent Involvement.

Parents are more involved in their children's education when they see their region competing in the EEAS. Increased parental involvement has a positive impact on student achievement.

10. Long-term Planning.

Preparing for the EEAS requires long-term planning. States develop comprehensive education strategies that extend beyond competition, helping them continuously improve their education systems.

11. Project Configuration and Training

Some volunteers structure these activities as projects and train staff, parents, and government officials to complete the cycle activities successfully.

12. Qualifications and Political Affiliation of Volunteers

The participants and training staff assisting the project are voluntary and independent of the Ethiopian government or political parties. This platform allows international and Ethiopian volunteers to participate.?

13. Time Limits and Conditions for Implementation.

Permission from the Ministry of Education of Ethiopia is required. We prefer that our relationship and communication be open to all for completeness and transparency. We accept suggestions and recommendations from any corner. No time frame is set, and it all depends on the approval of the Ministry of Education.

Support the EEAS.

The Ethiopian Education Award System supports positive educational changes by promoting competition, recognition, collaboration, and best practices in the nation's participating regions. These effects are reflected in the education system at the national level, ultimately leading to long-term improvements in educational quality and outcomes. EEAS is not just a competition; it transforms the regions and prepares the society for an accepted superior education culture. Thus, it paves the way for the future of the country.

Join us in celebrating academic excellence in Ethiopia!