The Ethiopian Academy of Sciences (EAS), in partnership with Ministry of Education (MoE), the National Commission for UNESCO, the Addis Ababa Liaison Office for UNESCO, STEM Synergy Ethiopia, Ethiopian Young Academy of Sciences (EtYAS), and Ethiopian Broadcasting Services (EBS) has organized a National Science Fair Competition from November 6 – 10, 2017 at the Headquarters of the Academy.
The competition has been among 87 students that came from public and private schools all over the country. The students brought their innovative appliances and displayed in the EAS’s Science Centers. The technologies were visited by high-profile government officials, scientists, the general public and the media for four consecutive days.
During his opening speech of the award ceremony, Professor Tsigie Gebre-Mariam, President of the EAS addressed the gathering that the Academy is striving to bring about holistic advancement in the Ethiopian Society and beyond. Professor Tsigie said, “The Academy has engaged in enhancing the natural, agricultural, health and social sciences, engineering, and the fine arts.” Moreover, “EAS is determined to promote scientific and innovation culture in Ethiopia,” added the President.
H.E. Yien Uroal Lam, Minister of Higher Education in South Sudan, had made a speech on the science award occasion. He said that, “it is a great honor to celebrate Science Day for Peace and development in Africa. This exhibition helped us to learn science talents and innovations more from our neighbors Ethiopia. As South Sudan is the youngest nation in Africa, it is a good opportunity to see how the world and our neighbor Ethiopia is moving forward to develop science and technology.”
Ato Birhanu Moreda, delegate for the General Education Sector State Minister at the Ministry of Education, also disclosed that the Ministry is robustly working to promote and improve science and innovations in the Ethiopian General Education system. He also added that there are rewarding feedbacks from the younger generation so far.
After careful evaluation of the exhibits, winners of the competition received their awards from the hands of the organizers.
World Science Day is commemorated on November 10 every year. Worldwide, it is used to raise awareness of the contribution of science to societies. In particular, it is used to inspire creativity and innovation among Ethiopian students.