By our staff reporterIn a significant move to strengthen bilateral relations, Romania has designated Ethiopia as a key partner for future collaborative development under its medium-term strategy.
This announcement was made during the official handover ceremony of advanced technological equipment donated to Tiya High School by the Romanian government.
The event took place on Thursday, March 20, in the historic town of Tiya, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, located 85 kilometers southwest of Addis Ababa.
In a virtual address, Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu emphasized that the Romanian government’s assistance aims to equip young people with essential technological tools and skills.
“Our contribution to Tiya High School includes top-tier electronic devices. I am confident that these will significantly enhance the students’ educational experiences,” he stated during the ceremony.
Hurezeanu further highlighted that Romania’s support is based on the principles of mutual partnership. “We operate within the framework of the Romania-Africa Strategy: Partnership for the Future through Peace, Development, and Education, promoting a spirit of practical, sincere, and equitable collaboration,” he added.
According to Hurezeanu, Ethiopia holds a special position in Romania’s African strategy as part of its latest medium- and long-term international development cooperation and humanitarian aid plan.
He noted that Romania has financed grassroots educational initiatives in several African countries, with Ethiopia being a central focus.
These projects prioritize digital transformation and the establishment of IT laboratories, as “these competencies are indispensable in today’s world.”
Romanian Ambassador to Ethiopia Julia Pataki reiterated her government’s commitment to supporting young people, referencing previous initiatives at Lideta Catholic School in Addis Ababa and now at Tiya High School.
She announced that the third phase of support for building a modern learning environment will be directed to Harar, located 530 kilometers east of the capital.
“Our aim is to forge a link between Romanian and Ethiopian schools to foster excellence,” she stated.
The donation included 21 all-in-one computers, a printer, a 75-inch television, a camera, and other essential electronic devices, establishing a fully equipped, cutting-edge ICT lab for the school.
The ceremony was attended by officials from the Central Ethiopia regional administration, the Eastern Gurage Zone, and Sodo Woreda, along with senior diplomats.
Among the attendees were Simone Knapp, the Austrian Ambassador to Ethiopia, and Ronald Micallef, the Maltese Ambassador to Ethiopia.
Ambassador Knapp recalled her government’s previous support for Tiya High School in the area of sports, stressing the importance of sports in fostering unity, harmony, and self-assurance alongside formal education.
Ambassador Micallef pledged future assistance from his country for the local community.
Tadele Birhane, head of the Sodo Woreda Education Bureau, highlighted the vital role the donated equipment will play in cultivating a generation proficient in technology.
Local administration officials also commended the efforts of Teguest Yilma, a philanthropist who has provided significant support to the community and the school in Tiya, encouraging foreign donors to contribute.
Teguest shared that her primary objective is to empower local communities and the younger generation, who will, in turn, contribute to society.
Birhane Bate, head of the Sodo Woreda Administration, described the donation as a testament to the deepening partnership between Ethiopia and Romania.
