Summary:

This Proclamation establishes a comprehensive legal framework for general education (pre-primary to grade 12, including adult and non-formal education). Its core objectives are to ensure quality, equity, accessibility, and relevance in education, while decentralizing management and defining the roles of federal and regional governments, non-state actors, and individuals. It applies to public, private, and community schools, including Ethiopian schools abroad

Main Objectives

• Ensure equitable and fair access to education nationwide
• Improve quality and relevance of education
• Develop students into competent, responsible citizens with knowledge, skills, and values
• Expand literacy and numeracy, especially for underserved groups (girls, rural populations, people with disabilities, etc.)

Key Concepts Introduced

• Accelerated learning & promotion for fast learners or out-of-school children
• Inclusive education for disadvantaged and special-needs learners
• Regulation of international and community schools
• Requirement for professional licensing of educators
• Emphasis on core subjects and foundational learning

Key words

Free and compulsory education; Secular education; Inclusive education; Pre-primary education; Primary education (grades 1–6); Middle-level education (grades 7–8); Secondary education (grades 9–12); Core subject; Basic subject; Mother tongue education

Key Provisions:

1. Fundamental Principles & Scope

• Free & Compulsory Education: Government primary and middle-level education (grades 1-8) is free and compulsory for all school-age children. Secondary education (grades 9-12) is also free in public schools.
• Rights & Non-Discrimination: Education must be free from discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, disability, religion, etc. Inclusive education for students with special needs is mandated.
• Secular Education: The national system is separate from religious and party-political influence.
• Applies to all federal and regional education institutions
• Includes government and non-government providers
• Covers special contexts such as:
  • Defense and prison education
  • Refugee education centers
  • Ethiopian community schools abroad

2. Governance & Responsibilities

• Federal Ministry of Education: Sets national standards, curriculum framework, approves textbooks for secondary level, manages international/community schools, and oversees quality assurance.
• Regional Education Bureaus: Establish and manage public schools (grades 1-8 and 9-12), deploy teachers, produce/distribute primary-level textbooks, and register/license private schools.
• Non-Governmental Institutions: Private, civil society, religious, community, and international schools are permitted but must meet registration, licensing, and accreditation standards.

3. Curriculum & Instruction

• A national curriculum framework is developed centrally, with regions adapting for pre-primary and primary levels.
• Language of Instruction: Mother tongue from pre-primary (level determined by region); English as medium of instruction from grade 9. Students learn at least three languages.
• Core subjects are defined, and co-curricular activities are required.

4. Teachers & Standards

• Teachers must have professional licenses, undergo continuous training, and follow a code of conduct.
• Prohibition: Anyone convicted of sexual violence cannot be employed as a teacher.
• Academic freedom and job security for teachers are recognized.

5. Students’ Rights & Obligations

• Rights: Free education, safe environment, freedom of expression, counseling services, and protection from physical punishment or violence.
• Obligations: Attend school, follow rules, wear uniform, abstain from drugs/alcohol/cheating, and respect staff and property.

6. Assessment & Progression

• Continuous assessment and exams (national Grade 12 exam by Ministry; Grade 6 & 8 exams by regions).
• Promotion requires at least 50% average. Ranking is prohibited until after grade 6.
• Accelerated promotion for gifted students and accelerated learning programs for over-age or disadvantaged students are allowed.

7. Special Focus Areas

• Inclusive Education: Mandatory support for students with disabilities (e.g., Braille, sign language).
• Adult Education: Programs for those who missed formal schooling, emphasizing practical skills.
• Equity: Special support for girls, rural/pastoral communities, and other marginalized groups. Mobile schools for pastoralists.

8. Finance & Non-State Institutions

• Government allocates budget for public education. A National Education Fund is established.
• Private schools can charge fees (subject to a cap by Ministry directive). Non-profit institutions may receive government financial support.
• Licensing and accreditation of non-state schools are detailed, including pre-accreditation (85% compliance for a 1-year provisional license).

9. Enforcement & Penalties

• Educational inspection and monitoring services are empowered to investigate schools without prior notice.
• Administrative and criminal penalties apply for violations (e.g., charging illegal fees, discrimination, operating without a license).
• Students can be disciplined or expelled for serious offenses, but with a right to return after demonstrating reform.

10. Effective Date & Transition

• The Proclamation takes on April 10, 2025
• Previous inconsistent laws are superseded; prior regulations remain in force until replaced.