Strengthening Ethiopia’s Reading Culture through Collaboration! 📚
On September 9, 2024, key stakeholders in Ethiopia gathered at Ayu International Hotel in Adama for the National Reading Network meeting. Organized by World Vision Ethiopia in collaboration with Ministry of Education (MoE), this event aimed to unite efforts to build a strong reading culture across the country. Opening remarks were delivered by representatives from MOE and World Vision Ethiopia, highlighting the need for collaboration to tackle the challenges of low reading fluency among students. The 2023 Early Grade Reading Assessment report revealed that about 63% of Grade 2 students and 49% of Grade 3 students were “zero readers,” with only 5% reading fluently with full comprehension.
The meeting brought together representatives from various organizations, including Minister of Education, World Vision, Minister of Culture and Tourism, Save the children, World vision Ethiopia, Population Media Center, Ethiopian Writers Association, Imagine One day, Ethiopia Read, National Museum and Abrehot Library any others. The primary agenda focused on launching the National Reading Network, electing a management committee, and signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to drive a national effort toward literacy and reading promotion.
Population Media Center (PMC) actively participated in the discussions, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and diversity within the National Reading Network. PMC advocated for representation from pastoral areas due to their unique contexts and suggested including stakeholders from the Gender Ministry (Ministry of Women and Social Affairs) and Associations from Person with Disability sectors.
PMC also provided input on the proposed National Reading Network management committee, which will initially be led by the Ministry of Education and consist of nine members, including Save the Children, Ethiopian Writers Association, World Vision Ethiopia, and Abrehot Library, among others. This committee will guide the Network’s activities, ensuring a collective impact on improving reading skills nationwide.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to finalize and sign the MOU after incorporating all feedback. Each institution’s leaders will sign the MOU with an official seal to signify their commitment to transforming Ethiopia into a nation with a sustainable and inclusive reading culture.
Together, let’s build a brighter future where every Ethiopian child reads with confidence and joy! 🌟
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