Ethiopia's Ministry of Education has issued a new directive requiring non-governmental educational institutions, especially those run by foreign communities, to certify that 30% of their total budget comes from their home governments. This policy aims to ensure financial stability and reliability for international schools operating in the country.
The Ethiopian Ministry of Education has issued a new directive regulating non-governmental educational institutions operating in the country. This policy particularly addresses financial requirements for schools run by foreign communities. Such schools must submit documentation certifying that 30% of their total budget comes from support by their home governments. The remaining 70% must be covered by their own resources, with proof provided.
This financial certification requires endorsement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia and the relevant document authentication authority. The ministry justifies this requirement as a means to ensure the financial stability and reliability of international schools in Ethiopia. The directive was developed following open discussions with the education community and stakeholders. It mandates that non-governmental institutions comply with Ethiopia's education law, teacher qualifications, student rights, and educational standards, among other related regulations.
Institutions must maintain their own financial sources, such as tuition fees, grants, or investment profits, along with a transparent organizational structure. The ministry will issue guidelines on tuition fees for educational and other services, to be reviewed every three years. For any fee increases, institutions must notify users three months in advance. Non-governmental general education institutions are required to re-register according to the ministry's timetable. They must create favorable conditions for students without special needs and ensure access to educational advisory services starting from first grade.
The Education Minister clarified that the new directive regulates the registration, licensing, and supervision of non-governmental educational institutions under the General Education Framework Law No. 1368/2017.