Pathways to Learning: Evidence from Interventions for Out-of-School Children in Ethiopia

This pilot study will lay the groundwork for a rigorous randomized evaluation of a set of interventions seeking to reintegrate out-of-school youth in Ethiopia (particularly those who are marginalized or living in conflict-affected settings) into the formal education system. Within this locally run program, the study includes an accelerated curriculum for youth, covering two school years over 10 months, alongside components for life skills training for children and child protection service support for children, parents, and communities.
A future full-scale randomized evaluation will measure the overall cost-effectiveness and value-added for each additional program element on outcomes for children and adolescents aged 8-14. The pilot will develop, test, and validate locally appropriate tools to measure academic, cognitive development, socio-emotional, life skills, and other life outcomes for children and adolescents, as well as develop the logistics necessary to recruit and track research subjects in a setting recently affected by intense, prolonged conflict.