Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – One Planet International School, a prominent educational institution in Ethiopia, proudly celebrated its 20th anniversary today with a grand event held at the prestigious African Union Hall. The milestone celebration was observed under the inspiring theme, "20 Years of Educational Journey in Action: Serving and Empowering the Community," reflecting the school's enduring commitment to holistic development.
Founded two decades ago by its visionary founder and manager, Ato Zelalem Amare, alongside his wife, W/ro Gail, One Planet International School has been at the forefront of implementing innovative educational approaches. From its inception, the institution has emphasized the crucial integration of ethics with academic knowledge, striving to nurture well-rounded individuals prepared to contribute meaningfully to society.
During the celebratory event, Ato Zelalem Amare articulated the foundational philosophy that guided the school's establishment. "When we founded the school, our primary goal was to prioritize good ethics before mathematics and reading," he stated. "This is because we firmly believe that every child possesses the inherent potential to become a light to the world." This ethos has been a cornerstone of One Planet's curriculum and pedagogical methods, fostering not just academic excellence but also strong moral character among its students.
The anniversary celebration drew a distinguished gathering of guests, underscoring the school's significant impact on the educational landscape. Attendees included high-ranking diplomats, dedicated teachers, current students, and supportive parents. Notably, Dr. Gennet Zewde, the former Minister of Education, was among the prominent figures present, highlighting the event's importance within the national educational discourse.
A significant highlight of the day was the official launch of a new book titled "The Light of the World." This publication meticulously chronicles the school's remarkable 20-year journey, detailing its evolution, achievements, and the philosophical underpinnings that have shaped its unique educational model. The book serves as a testament to the dedication of its founders, staff, and the countless students who have passed through its halls.
Looking ahead, Ato Zelalem also unveiled an ambitious vision for One Planet International School's future over the next two decades. He shared a transformative dream aimed at expanding the school's reach and impact across the nation. "Our biggest dream," he announced, "is to integrate One Planet's successful educational model into a digital platform, thereby enabling every child in any rural part of Ethiopia to access quality education for free, without any limitations." This initiative represents a bold step towards democratizing access to high-quality education, particularly for underserved communities.
Ato Zelalem further indicated that this groundbreaking digital education platform is slated to officially commence operations in the coming years, promising to revolutionize learning opportunities for countless Ethiopian children. The initiative aligns with global trends in digital learning and seeks to leverage technology to overcome geographical and economic barriers to education.
Currently, One Planet International School is a thriving institution, serving over 1,200 students and employing a dedicated team of 250 staff members. This includes various partner organizations that collaborate with the school on educational projects, further extending its influence and capacity within the sector. The school's growth over two decades reflects its sustained commitment to its founding principles and its ongoing efforts to innovate and adapt to the evolving needs of education in Ethiopia.
Source: Telegram / tikvahethiopia