INTRODUCTION
A results-driven Program Officer with a strong background in policy evaluation, curriculum development, and stakeholder engagement, this professional has demonstrated exceptional skills in enhancing educational quality and driving impactful programmatic outcomes. With over a decade of experience spanning from teaching to administrative leadership, they have played a key role in advancing educational frameworks, securing funding, and optimizing instructional methodologies.
EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS
Their academic journey began with a Diploma in Teaching from Nekemte Teacher Training College in Ethiopia. They later pursued a B.Sc. in Chemistry (2017), an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction (2020), and an M.Sc. in Inorganic Chemistry (2023) from Wallaga University. Furthering their expertise, they earned a Diploma in Sociology from ALISON, Ireland (2024). This strong academic foundation equipped them with interdisciplinary knowledge essential for strategic education management and policy implementation.
PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS
With a career spanning more than a decade, they have held various influential roles in education and program administration:
- Program Officer (2021-2024) at Oromo People Peace, Stability, Strength, and Unity Organization Support: Led policy development initiatives, mobilized significant funding, and enhanced data-driven decision-making for educational projects.
- Education Program Focal Person (2020-2021) at Development Expertise Center (DEC): Spearheaded educator training workshops, optimized curriculum design, and improved student engagement.
- School Principal (2019-2021) at Konoji Primary School: Implemented strategic educational initiatives, improved student performance, and led faculty development programs.
- Vice Principal (2015-2019) at Konoji Primary School: Strengthened curriculum frameworks, facilitated professional training, and enhanced institutional effectiveness.
- Teacher (2011-2015) at Nole Dire Primary School: Delivered high-quality instruction, integrated technology into the classroom, and fostered critical thinking among students.
CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON Medicinal Plants
Their research and contributions focus on curriculum innovation, policy evaluation, and education technology. Their publications include:
- “The Utilization of Active Learning Techniques in Ethiopian Primary Schools: Practice and Challenges” – A comprehensive study on the effectiveness of active learning strategies.
- “Review on Practice and Challenges of ICT Integration as Pedagogical Tools in Ethiopian Primary School Curriculum Implementation” – Analyzing the role of digital tools in education.
- “Green Synthesis, Characterization, and Antibacterial Evaluation of ZnO and Ag-doped ZnO Nanoparticles Using Ruta Chalepensis Leaf Extract” – A groundbreaking study bridging education and scientific innovation.
IMPACT AND INFLUENCE
Their impact extends beyond the classroom, as they have:
- Improved reporting accuracy by 20% in program monitoring systems.
- Mobilized 650,000 Birr for educational initiatives.
- Facilitated over 50 training sessions, benefitting 500+ educators and stakeholders.
- Strengthened strategic partnerships with government and non-profit organizations to expand educational access.
ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS
Their published research contributes to advancing education policy, instructional methodologies, and education technology integration, with citations in respected academic journals.
HONORS & AWARDS
- UNICEF Certificate of Training on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)
- UNICEF Certificate in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Online Course
- Save the Children International: Quality and Integrated Education in Emergency Training
- Humanitarian Leadership Academy: Core Humanitarian Standard Certification
- IRC Introduction to the Measurement Process in Education Programs
- Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching from Wallaga University
LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS
Their future contributions aim to:
- Develop more inclusive and technology-driven education systems.
- Expand research on education in emergencies and crisis response.
- Strengthen stakeholder collaboration for sustainable educational reform.
FINAL NOTE
A dynamic and visionary leader in education, they have demonstrated a deep commitment to capacity development, policy enhancement, and innovative teaching methodologies. Their ability to merge strategic planning with hands-on implementation makes them a transformative figure in the educational landscape.
NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS
Review on practice and challenges of ICT integration as pedagogical tools in Ethiopian primary school curriculum implementation
- Authors: Merga Hunde Gonfa, Asnake Lealem Birhanu, Kemal Mohammed Gendo
- Journal: Discover Education
- Year: 2024
The utilization of active learning techniques in Ethiopian primary schools: Practice and challenges
- Authors: Merga Hunde, Melka Hika
- Journal: Journal of Science
- Year: 2023