Building a Civilly Engaged Private Campus: The Challenges and Prospects of Civic Education in Private Higher Learning Institutions in Ethiopia

Abstract

Since the early 1990s there has been a global trend towards a greater understanding on the relevance of civic education for the creation of responsible and competent citizens that nurture and support a democratic order. Currently Ethiopia finds itself at important cross roads in terms of fully entrenching democratic order. It is imperative that both public and private institutions have a shared commitment to such an important task. Civic education programs have become an integral part of Ethiopia’s school curriculum both at the level of primary and secondary schools. Even though such a nation-wide endeavor still faces serious challenges, the program has achieved a measured success. The provision of civic and ethical education has now been introduced to both private and public higher learning institutions.