On the day marking the centenary ofFinnish independence, Addis Ababa University hosted a seminar entitled ‘lessons from educational change and innovation’ at the EshetuChole Hall on February 21, 2017.

The Embassy of Finland in Addis Ababa jointly organized the seminar with Addis Ababa University and the Ministry of Education.

Scholars from Finland Universities shared their experiences of education in Finland on the occasion.

The seminar featured a discussion session following presentation on trends in the Finnisheducational system.

Core points of discussion were curriculum approaches of the two countries, innovation and creativity through education, higher education institutions meeting changing societal demands, research based reflections on educational development in Ethiopia, and Finland’s and Ethiopia’s path of educational transformation.

The seminar intended to share experiences and customize them in order to improve education quality in Ethiopia so that it meets the demand of a highly developing economy.

In her welcoming speech, Ambassador of Finland to Ethiopia, Helena Airaksinen noted that investing in education and research promotes knowledge based competitiveness and educational quality.

Shiferaw T/Mariam (Ph.D.), Minister of Education, noted that Ethiopia is striving to improve its education quality. He also stated that such efforts directly or indirectly involve the Finland Government.

“Ethiopia is tremendously successful in raising enrolment in elementary and high schools. It has also ensured more access tohigher education institutions along with its efforts to addressgender disparity. Strong partnership is instrumental to achieve innovation and education quality,” said the Minister.

Finland and Ethiopia have long standing bilateral relations