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Bridging global gaps in early childhood education: A comparative study of Ethiopia and Singapore (2016–2025)

Dereje Dakamo Tomora 1 2 * ,
Yohannes Dibekulu Bereket 1
1 Hawassa College of Teacher Education, ETHIOPIA2 Addis Ababa University, ETHIOPIA* Corresponding Author
Educational Point, 2(1), 2025, e116, https://doi.org/10.71176/edup/16226
Publication date: Apr 01, 2025
Research Article
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ABSTRACT

This study compares the preprimary education systems of Singapore and Ethiopia, two nations with contrasting socioeconomic and legislative environments. Using a comparative analysis that integrates both quantitative and qualitative data, the research identifies discrepancies in accessibility, curriculum, teacher training, infrastructure, and policy efficacy. It fills a research gap by comparing ECE in a developed and developing nation, contextualizing global best practices for resource-limited settings. Ethiopia’s gradual progress (20% to 60% coverage, 2016–2025) reflects external collaboration and bottom-up approaches, but it lacks structural changes. The findings reveal significant gaps in essential resources, particularly textbook shortages, which hinder learning outcomes, and concerns about teacher expertise, highlighting the need for improved professional development programs. In contrast, Singapore’s coordinated curricula and nearly universal enrollment demonstrate astute investment and efficient regulation. Key findings reveal divergent long-term effects, values, and resource investments. While Singapore’s model offers insights into standards and technology utilization, recommendations emphasize Ethiopia’s need for additional funding and teacher professional development. The report underscores the importance of policy convergence with Sustainable Development Goal 4 to ensure inclusive early childhood care and education (ECCE) worldwide.

KEYWORDS

early childhood education comparative education policy analysis SDG 4 Ethiopia

CITATION (APA)

Tomora, D. D., & Bereket, Y. D. (2025). Bridging global gaps in early childhood education: A comparative study of Ethiopia and Singapore (2016–2025). Educational Point, 2(1), e116. https://doi.org/10.71176/edup/16226
Harvard
Tomora, D. D., and Bereket, Y. D. (2025). Bridging global gaps in early childhood education: A comparative study of Ethiopia and Singapore (2016–2025). Educational Point, 2(1), e116. https://doi.org/10.71176/edup/16226
Vancouver
Tomora DD, Bereket YD. Bridging global gaps in early childhood education: A comparative study of Ethiopia and Singapore (2016–2025). Educational Point. 2025;2(1):e116. https://doi.org/10.71176/edup/16226
AMA
Tomora DD, Bereket YD. Bridging global gaps in early childhood education: A comparative study of Ethiopia and Singapore (2016–2025). Educational Point. 2025;2(1), e116. https://doi.org/10.71176/edup/16226
Chicago
Tomora, Dereje Dakamo, and Yohannes Dibekulu Bereket. "Bridging global gaps in early childhood education: A comparative study of Ethiopia and Singapore (2016–2025)". Educational Point 2025 2 no. 1 (2025): e116. https://doi.org/10.71176/edup/16226
MLA
Tomora, Dereje Dakamo et al. "Bridging global gaps in early childhood education: A comparative study of Ethiopia and Singapore (2016–2025)". Educational Point, vol. 2, no. 1, 2025, e116. https://doi.org/10.71176/edup/16226

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