Browsing by Author "Teshome, Habtamu"
Item Cultural Determinants of Females' Enrollment and Academic Achievement in Secondary Schools of Guji Zone, Oromia National Regional State(Addis Ababa University, 2009-06) Teshome, Habtamu; Ademe, Enguday (PhD)The effect of gender discriminating cultural practice between male and female in the educational process not only restricts females' participation and performance in schools, but also limits the levels, types and areas they participate in the educational system as well as in the society . The problem therefore not only be considered as an obstacle for female advancement, but also as an impediment to the progress of the society. Hence, the main purpose of this study was to explore the cultural factors which hinderfemales ' enrollment and academic achievement in secondary education (9-10) ofGuji zone In order to attain the objective of the study, a descriptive survey method was employed. The study was carried out on five first-cycle general secondary (9-10) schools that were selected using both purposive and simple random sampling techniques. The study also involved 588 female students and 192 male students that were selected using systematic random sampling technique, and 42 teachers (30 male 'and 12 female) selected via stratified (male and female) followed by simple random and available sampling techniques. The simple random (lottery system) was for male teachers and available sampling was for female teachers. The heads of education, culture and tourism, and women's affair offices of the zone and heads of district education offices, and the cultural leaders were also selected purposely and involved in the study. Documentary analysis, questionnaires and interview were the instruments used for data collection. The data gathered were analyzed using various statistical tools such as percentages. chi-square, and the Mann·Whitney test for a large sample size. Based on the result 0/ the analysis, the enrollment ratio of females was less than boys, dropout rate of female students was relatively lower than male students, the dropout rate of females in grade 9 was greater than that of grade 10, females were less than boys in their academic pel.formance. The cultural factors such as; early marriage, pregnancy, the altitude of the society towards females' education,' lack of females role models in the society, females' motivation and expectations, household responsibilities, and fear of sexual harassment, abduction or rape were identified as cultural factors hindering females' enrollment and academic achievement in the study area. It was thus indicated that female students' enrollment and academic achievement is a function of out-ol-school factors. Therefore, it was recommended that measures related to sensitization and education of the community in general and cultural leaders in particular, labor saving technologies, presence of role models, availability of job opportunities be taken to improve females' enrollment and academic achievement in secondary education of Guji zone.Item Diversity and Uses of Plant Species in Chato Natural Forest, Horro Guduru Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, West Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2018-08-08) Teshome, Habtamu; Wondimu, Tigist (PhD)The role of plant species in everyday lives of rural communities in Horo-Gudru district (Wellega Zone, West Ethiopia) is highly prominent. However, no scientific documentation has been found to the knowledge of the researcher. The present study aimed at documenting the diversity and uses of plant species in the district. Purposive sampling was done and sampling of plant specimen took place from 40 quadrants, which were established in Chato Forest (a Natural forest located nearby the community and used as plant resource). Sampling of informants for use purpose was undertaken from rural villages around the Chato forest. The total number of informants involved in this study were 45:30 male (age 18-65 years) and 15 female (21-71 years). Semi-structured interview and guided field walk were the methods used to collect Ethnobotanical data. A total of 142 specimens were collected consisting of 103 and 39 woody and herbaceous species, respectively. Three plant community types were identified and named after the species that are dominant in the community. Major uses of local plant species are for traditional medicine, human consumption as food, animal feed, household construction, for detergent and firewood. The result in this study evidenced that the area is rich in plant diversity. These results confirm that “apparent” plants, perennial woody species, are used by the communities living around the forest more than the “non-apparent” short life cycle herbaceous species.Item Professional Perceptions on the Practice, Challenges and Opportunities of Private Public Relations Firms in Ethiopia: 251 Communication Firm in Focus(Addis Ababa University, 2021) Teshome, Habtamu; Gebru PhD, AmanuelThe main purpose of this study was to assess professional perceptions on the practice, challenges, and opportunities of private Public Relations (PRs) firms in Ethiopia taking the case of 251 Communications PLC. 251 Communications PLC is one of the few private PR firms in Ethiopia. The main objective of the PLC is to manage their international and local clients’ communications, marketing, research, logistics, media, PR, branding and production needs. The study also attempted to explore the efforts and overriding challenges private public relations firms are facing. The research used mixed approaches which enable the researchers to use both qualitative and quantitate data and analysis. The main subject of the study was PR practitioners, CEOs and department heads. The researcher used in-depth interview as data collecting tool from the above subjects. The study was situated within the theoretical framework of Ludwing Von Bertalanffy's (later developed by Ross Ashby) systems theory. The finding of the investigation uncovered that, the private PR sector is untouched industry. Even though, there are many challenges facing the sector. Lack of knowledge and understanding of the practice of PR in the private sector, economic weakness of the private PR sector, absence of communication strategy/ institutional frame-work, under-development of the private PR sector, and lack of professionalism took the first line as challenges for the public relations practice in the private sector