Tiya High School in Central Ethiopia has received a significant boost to its technological capabilities thanks to a donation of modern electronic equipment worth over 4 million birr (30,000 Euro) from the Romanian government.
The Romanian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Julia Pataki handed over the latest technology equipment on February 5, in the presence of Sodo Woreda officials, parents representatives, teachers and students.
The donation includes 21 standardized all in one computers, a printing machine, a 75-inch television, a camera, and other essential electronic equipment, creating a fully equipped state of the art ICT lab for the school. This initiative aims to provide Tiya High School with the technology necessary for a modern learning environment.
Ambassador Pataki personally championed the project, which was launched last year, and ensured the inclusion of a full camera set to allow students to develop professional skills alongside their academic studies.
Tadelle Birhane, Head of the Sodo Woreda Education bureau, expressed gratitude to the Romanian government for its support and acknowledged the crucial role of technology in education. He noted that Tiya High School has become one of the top schools in the district, a center of excellence thanks in part to such ongoing assistance.
Emunesh Ilala, Director of the school said that a good and efficient school produces good citizens. The students’ performance has been improving over the years and this donation will further enhance their academic achievement.
Ambassador Pataki highlighted the importance of connectivity noting that this lab can also help build the capacity of other schools in the community. This is her second ICT project following the first done in Addis Ababa, Cathedral school, and the third is in the pipeline.
The school envisions modernizing to Level 4 and becoming a model institution for the region, emphasizing that the donated equipment will help build a solid foundation for future generations. The Tiya School Virtual Excellence Center is scheduled to be officially inaugurated on March 6th, with federal and regional officials, ambassadors, community elders, parents, and students in attendance. This contribution marks a significant step forward in enhancing educational opportunities and technological literacy for students at Tiya High School.
This donation is a potential reflection of the growing collaboration between Ethiopia and Romania. Romania is prioritizing technology and digital transformation in its own education system, and this donation may represent an effort to share those resources internationally. 89% of households in Romania have access to internet. Other international efforts are also underway to improve education and provide digital resources to Ethiopian youth.
