“Ethics and Civic Education” Seminar: Addis Teachers Call for Encore (10/20-21/07)

PAS Addis organized a two-day Seminar on Ethics and Civic Education, held October 20-21, 2007.  The seminar was successful and inspired a resolution to hold similar seminars and meetings with other civic educators and policymakers in Ethiopia in the future.  Seminar participants included 40 high school teachers and 10 civic education department heads representing 10 sub-city education offices.

PAO Michael McClellan and Ato Kasahun Tassew, Deputy Head of Addis Ababa City Bureau of Education, opened the conference. 

The seminar’s keynote speaker, U.S. scholar Dr. Mekonen Haddis, described ethics in government and democracy and the place of civic education within U.S. schools.  In his presentation, Dr. Mekonen revealed different dimensions of civic education, and analyzed the role and challenges of civic education during societal change.  He initiated discussion around topics such as democracy and citizen responsibility.  Seminar participants also discussed the current situation of the civic education in Ethiopia and described the status of civic education in their schools.

Civic education is a priority of Ethiopia’s educational policy, essential for the development of democracy and civil society in Ethiopia.  The seminar provided an opportunity for high school educators to study and engage in discussion of important topics in the American civic education system.