ADDIS ABABA — The EDG Educational and Development Expansion Organization successfully held its annual recognition and award ceremony on September 5, 2025 (Meskerem 25, 2018 E.C.), bringing together an audience of over 1,000 community members, students, graduates, and distinguished guests.
The event commenced with an opening blessing by community elder Haji Shifa Yimam, followed by poetry recitations in Amharic and Guraginya by Mr. Mekbib Gebremariam (Senior Expert at the Addis Ababa Heritage Research and Conservation Authority) and Tekalign Shewalem. During the event, Mr. Mekbib announced free training scholarship opportunities for community members in culture, arts, and heritage conservation.
Former board members were also recognized with certificates and awards for their outstanding contributions and leadership during their tenure.
Academic Achievements and Excellence Awards
The organization celebrated outstanding academic performances across various educational levels:
- Primary and Secondary Students: Certificates of recognition were presented to over 40 Grade 6 students, 44 Grade 8 students, and more than 62 Grade 12 students.
- Top Performers (Grades 6 & 8): Outstanding students received educational reference books, with the top three scorers awarded cash prizes of 2,500 ETB, 3,000 ETB, and 4,000 ETB, respectively.
- Grade 12 Achievers: All qualifying Grade 12 students will receive 5,000 ETB transferred directly to their bank accounts, while the top three performers were awarded smartwatches. A community sponsor also gifted smartwatches to seven high achievers who scored above 500 points.
- Top Student Award: Samuel Tamirat Welela, who achieved the community's highest score of 542 points, received a special cash prize of 5,000 ETB.
- Higher Education Graduates: The ceremony honored university graduates, including 1 PhD recipient as well as graduates in Medicine and Law. Male graduates received smartwatches, while female graduates were presented with silver necklaces.
Partner Recognition and Future Directives
The organization expressed gratitude to its financial partners, presenting trophies and awards to Platinum (50,000 ETB), Gold (30,000 ETB), and Bronze (20,000 ETB) donors, alongside Copper certificates for 10,000 ETB contributors.
Looking ahead to the next academic year (2018/2019 E.C.), the organization announced key policy updates:
- Strict Deadlines: Academic results submitted past the official deadline will not be accepted.
- Selective Recognition: The 2019 ceremony may exclusively focus on top-tier and special award recipients.
- Exit Exam Requirement: Passing the national Exit Exam will be a mandatory prerequisite for graduate awards.
- Enhanced Partnerships: The organization will launch expanded sponsorship packages and promotional opportunities for professionals and business owners to increase institutional funding.
The grand event concluded with traditional blessings from three community elders.