Teferi Mekonnen School (TMS)
regarded as a Pillar of Modern education in Ethiopia
Originally known as Tafari Makonnen School, it was founded on April 27, 1925 by Ras Tafari Makonnen, who later became Emperor Haile Selassie I. It was one of Ethiopia’s earliest modern schools, established in theheart of Addis Ababa to advance secular education and national progress.
Founding Vision: Ras Tafari declared that Ethiopia’s independence depended on education, urging the wealthy to support schools as a patriotic duty.
• Curriculum: Initially focused on modern subjects, with instruction in foreign languages such as French and English.
• Legacy: It became a model for other schools and a training ground for future leaders, educators, and civil servants.
Status: Founded on April 27, 1925 by Ras Tafari Makonnen.
EVOLUTION:
Later renamed Tafari Makonnen Polytechnic College, and briefly known as Entoto Technical and Vocational Education and Training College. In 2025, it celebrated its centennial and reinstated its original name
IMPACT:
TMS helped shift Ethiopia from traditional religious instruction to modern, secular education. It stood as a beacon of intellectual awakening and national pride, especially during Haile Selassie’s reign.
Success Pathways formed a working partnership with this great school in August 2025. We met and were graciously received by the dean, Abdulbari Mohammed Nasir on several occasions.
We will collaborate on selecting deserving Scholarship candidates who will attend that school. As well as in organizing guest speaker series and seminars on a range of topic so the students can learn and benefit from some extraordinary thought leaders and achievers on different topics in different areas of endeavor.