(K.U.E, August 19, 2026) – The first phase of the Technical Assistance for Teacher Education for Inclusion and Quality in Ethiopia (TEFIQ) project—implemented in collaboration with Kotebe University of Education (KUE), the Ministry of Education, regional education bureaus, and various partner institutions, has been declared a success.
This achievement was highlighted during a review and discussion session involving TEFIQ project officials and university leadership, where the project’s performance and key milestones were assessed. Participants emphasized that the initiative should be strengthened and expanded through a second phase and a broader scale-up program.
In his welcoming remarks, the President of Kotebe University of Education, Dr. Teshome Nekatibeb, noted that the university is currently undergoing significant reform. He highlighted the important contributions and the positive impact the TEFIQ project has made, particularly in promoting gender-responsive education. He expressed his satisfaction with the results attained and welcomed the continuation of the partnership into its next phase.
Speaking at the event, Marja Matero, Chief Technical Advisor of the TEFIQ project, expressed her appreciation to the university’s leadership for the warm welcome and the support extended to her and the project team. She noted that the first phase was successfully completed through a series of collaborative activities with KUE experts, including the development of training manuals and the delivery of various training programs. She emphasized that the implementation yielded strong results, providing a foundation for further strengthening the project during the remaining period and the second phase, which is scheduled to begin next year. She also expressed her gratitude for the productive collaboration and engagement with the university.
Dr. Ahmed Esmael, National Advisor for Teacher Education, explained that the project generated tangible results by bringing experts together to collaborate on outcome-based curricula, inclusive education, and research. He particularly highlighted the project’s contribution to knowledge sharing and transfer among education professionals and institutions.
Other participants including Shalvi Sinha, Home Office Coordinator of TEFIQ MRAS, Finland; Dr. Tewodros Mulugeta, Vice President for Research and Community Engagement; Dr. Shimelis Zewde, Vice President for Administration and Development and Dr. Teshome Kondale, Director of the Institute of In-Service Training also reflected on the project’s progress. They noted the significant work carried out by the Steering Committee, as well as activities related to monitoring and evaluation (M&E). They concluded that these efforts have established a strong foundation for the continuation, strengthening, and scale-up of the TEFIQ project.
Overall, the discussions underscored the success of the first phase and the importance of leveraging the lessons learned, achievements, and institutional capacities developed to ensure a more impactful second phase and national scale-up.
– Public and International Relations Executive Office