CHANGE: Improving Access to Education in Ethiopia for Most Marginalized Girls Project

This project supported 24,968 marginalized girls across Ethiopia to improve their access to quality education and strengthen their learning and life outcomes. The initiative addressed economic, social, and cultural barriers that limited girls’ participation in schooling by expanding access to formal, non-formal, and technical and vocational education and training (TVET). It delivered Alternative Basic Education for girls aged 10–14, Integrated Adult Functional Literacy for those aged 15–19, and short-term TVET opportunities to facilitate transitions to employment and income generation.

The project also strengthened the quality and inclusiveness of education by training 577 teachers and facilitators in gender-responsive and child-centered pedagogy. It established 565 self-help groups to provide life skills, psychosocial support, rights awareness, and entrepreneurship training, and mobilized 223 community action groups to promote positive attitudes toward girls’ education. In addition, 4,776 girls received direct cash support to reduce financial barriers to schooling, while sustained engagement with communities and government partners helped reinforce long-term commitment to girls’ education.

This is a consortium project, led by PIN and financed by FCDO. One of the consortium members, Welthungerhilfe, in partnership with Friendship Support Association, is implementing the project in Afar Region, Aysaita, and Afambo Woredas. The project will address 4500 out-of-school girls in 4 cohorts. Currently, 542 girls are enrolled.