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IMC 2025: Sessions

Session 730: The Ethiopian Church School System: Tradition, Pedagogy, and Legacy

Tuesday 8 July 2025, 14:15-15:45

Organiser:Mersha Alehegne Mengistie, Department of Linguistics & Philology, Addis Ababa University
Moderator/Chair:Mersha Alehegne Mengistie, Department of Linguistics & Philology, Addis Ababa University
Paper 730-aThe Abǝnnat 101: Reading School-Content, Curriculum, and System
(Language: English)
Mersha Alehegne Mengistie, Department of Linguistics & Philology, Addis Ababa University
Index terms: Education; Daily Life
Paper 730-bValues of Qǝne or Ethiopic Poetry
(Language: English)
Tsehay Ademe, Institute of Ethiopian Studies, Addis Ababa University
Index terms: Education; Religious Life
Paper 730-cTeaching and Learning Traditions in the School of Aqwaqwam: Procedures, Techniques, and Methods
(Language: English)
Senkoris Ayalew Kassa, College of Humanities, Language Studies, Journalism & Communications, Addis Ababa University / College of Social Science & Humanities, University of Gondar
Index terms: Education; Religious Life
Paper 730-dDid the Ethiopan Orthodox Church School System Originally Include Instruction on the Topic of Medicine?
(Language: English)
Dan Levene, Institut für Altertumswissenschaften, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
Index terms: Education; Medicine
Abstract

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church School System, known as Abənnat, is one of the world’s oldest educational frameworks, central to Ethiopia's religious, cultural, and intellectual history. This panel will explore its historical evolution, unique pedagogical methods in Gəʿəz, and its role in preserving religious and literary traditions. While primarily a foundation for theological education, the system has also shaped Ethiopia’s cultural identity. The proposed panel brings together scholars, educators, and clergy who have studied or been part of the system to examine its past significance and modern adaptations. Key themes include the preservation of Gəʿəz manuscripts and oral traditions, memorization and recitation pedagogy, the clergy’s role as educators, and the system’s impact on Ethiopian identity. We will also address the challenges of integrating church schools into Ethiopia’s modern, secular education system amid globalization.

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