The dawn of modern education in Ethiopia, including Dire Dawa City, can be traced back to the reign of Emperor Menelik II in the early 20th century. Recognizing the need for a modernized educational system, he established the Menelik II School in 1908. This marked a significant departure from traditional religious education, introducing subjects like mathematics, science, and foreign languages. While initially met with resistance from the clergy, this groundbreaking initiative laid the foundation for the expansion of formal education in Ethiopia, including Dire Dawa, ultimately shaping the country's intellectual and social landscape.The dawn of modern education in Ethiopia, including Dire Dawa City, can be traced back to the reign of Emperor Menelik II in the early 20th century. Recognizing the need for a modernized educational system, he established the Menelik II School in 1908. This marked a significant departure from traditional religious education, introducing subjects like mathematics, science, and foreign languages. While initially met with resistance from the clergy, this groundbreaking initiative laid the foundation for the expansion of formal education in Ethiopia, including Dire Dawa, ultimately shaping the country's intellectual and social landscape.