Ethiopia - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

EthioGuidance Network (EG.N) trains, educates, and certifies school counselors in Ethiopia, connecting them with public, private, and boarding schools via an online platform to enhance student support services and improve educational outcomes.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

EthioGuidance Network(EG.N) is a startup that is based in Ethiopia and focuses on Improving School counseling services we offer full training, education as well as certification to potential school counselors so that they can meet high professional standards. Our digital platform links these certified individuals to public, private or boarding schools all over Ethiopia thereby solving the problem of acute shortage of qualified counseling professionals. we also assist schools in their recruitment process which in turn enhances student support services leading to better academic and personal success for students. Additionally, EG.N offers continuous professional development trainings. Through, Webinars, and keeping counselors updated on new methods. Our mission is to advance the quality of school counseling in Ethiopia, And make a remarkable impact on the educational sector and students outcome.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

The main problem EG.N aims to solve is the critical shortage of qualified school counselors in Ethiopia, which impacts student support services and educational outcomes. Many students are facing Physical, Emotional and Psychological problems further more they are placed in a field of study they are not interested in or qualified for, leading to unemployment or work with minimal motivation and productivity. To avoid this, students need guidance to pursue their interests and support for personal, psychological, and academic challenges. School counselors play a vital role in bridging gaps between teachers, parents, and school officials. EG.N addresses these issues by offering comprehensive training and certification for school counselors and providing a platform to connect these professionals with schools, enhancing student support and ensuring students receive the guidance they need for a successful future.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

Here are the main advantages of using EthioGuidance Network (EG.N) The first one is Knowing What to Major In: EG.N offers all-inclusive programs of training as well as certification for school counselors so that they can tackle all academic, personal or emotional requirements of students; this results in healthier students’ lives and higher academic grades. The second one is Choosing a Right Career: Reducing graduates unemployment rate is the aim of EG.N as the qualified counselor guides them through their studies towards the areas that suit them well by interests and qualifications which will help reduce unemployment and ensuring students pursue fulfilling and suitable careers. Last but not least EG.N's platform allows for smooth communication and cooperation among counselors, teachers, parents, and school officials thus enhancing an enabling learning surrounding. This extent, with its holistic orientation on student well-being, ensures that learners undergo their academic life with

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Our primary beneficiaries are students, who receive tailored guidance and support to overcome personal and academic challenges and pursue their interests, and make informed career choices. School counselors also benefit from comprehensive training, certification, and continuous professional development, enhancing their skills and career prospects. Public, private, and boarding schools gain access to qualified counselors, improving student support services and academic performance. Parents and guardians are actively involved in their children's education through better communication and collaboration facilitated by EG.N.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-01-10

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

2

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

2

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

One of our partners is a highly skilled marketing and sales professional with extensive experience in event planning and management. She holds a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from Addis Ababa University and possesses several certificates in sales, marketing, and event organization. Our other partner serves as a school counselor and is our primary source of information and guidance. She helps us create customized programs to meet the diverse needs of our students. She holds a degree in Psychology from Axum University.

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/vision-widen-online-education-training-center/

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: Education

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

3

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

3

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

3

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

By providing extensive training and certification for school counselors, EG.N is committed to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, receive the guidance and support they need to succeed. Our platform connects qualified counselors with schools across Ethiopia, enhancing the quality of student support services and ensuring that no student is left behind. By addressing personal, psychological, and academic challenges, EG.N helps students make educated decisions about their education and future careers, fostering an environment of continuous learning and personal growth. Our commitment to professional development for counselors ensures they stay updated on best practices, further contributing to the overall quality of education. EG.N plays a crucial role in building an inclusive educational system that empowers all students to achieve their full potential and promotes lifelong learning opportunities for every individual.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

By providing Highly Skilled school counselors who offer tailored support to address gender-specific barriers to education, promoting female participation in counseling roles, and address issues like discrimination and harassment. Through guidance and encouragement, by providing highly skilled School counselors EG.N aims to help female students pursue non-traditional career paths, breaking stereotypes and fostering empowerment. By facilitating parental and community engagement, EG.N trained professionals will advocate for the importance of girls' education and addresses cultural barriers. These efforts create a safer, more supportive school environment where all students, regardless of gender, can thrive, contribute positively to their communities, and achieve their full potential.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

2

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

2

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

By guiding students toward majors that are aligned with their interests and abilities and providing support in their educational, personal or psychological challenges, EG.N reduces unemployment and underemployment rates, By ensuring graduates enter their chosen industry with relevant skills. And this will lead to a more skilled and productive workplace, Which will then drive economic growth. Moreover, by empowering students to make informed career choice EG.N will create a sustainable employment opportunities, contributing to the overall prosperity and well-being of individuals and communities. Through these efforts, EG.N plays a vital role in building a stronger, more inclusive economy where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

3

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

3

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

2

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

2

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

2

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

3

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

2

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

2

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

3

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

4

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

6

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

2

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

6

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

3

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

6

05.08 Justification

Very few private and boarding schools have school counselors, and most are not creating the desired effect, while most public schools in Ethiopia lack school counselors entirely. Our focus on students unique needs and offering support to their challenges, By providing a highly skilled professional school counselors sets us apart. Additionally, we promote commitment to continuous professional development to ensure counselors stay updated on best practices to ensure life long personal and educational development in students. By integrating training, certification, and placement services within a user-friendly digital platform

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Our potential competitors will include existing educational training providers, local universities offering counseling programs, and NGO's focused on educational support in Ethiopia. But EthioGuidance Network (EG.N) stands out due to our extensive approach that combines training, certification, and placement services for school counselors within a user-friendly digital platform. And unlike the traditional programs, EG.N specifically addresses Ethiopian schools unique challenges, such as the lack of effective counseling services and mismatched student interests with their field of studies. In addition to this EG.N focus on creating a strong relationship between school counselors and students, teachers, parents, and school officials and this further differentiates us. the Locally customized approach we use ensures we exceed the needs of Ethiopian schools and students, which will lead to better educational outcomes and a more inclusive educational environment for all.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

No