Ethiopia

LFC Foundation and global charity Right To Play launched a project to transform children’s lives in Ethiopia, as part of the long-term partnership between the two organisations.

The three-year project, RISE (Reading and Inclusion for Safe Education), will improve reading skills and mental well-being among vulnerable children in Debre Birhan City, in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia.

The project will support 9,500 children, including those living with disabilities and children who have been displaced by conflict.

More than 200 teachers will receive training in play-based, child-centred teaching; delivering psychosocial support to children affected by trauma; and creating safe, inclusive learning environments. Hundreds of community members will also be engaged, including through training in addressing barriers to education for girls and vulnerable children.

Conflict and climate shocks in Ethiopia have had a devastating impact on education services in recent years, resulting in the destruction of school infrastructure and millions of children being out of school – with the Amhara Region the most affected. Debre Birhan City now hosts large numbers of internally displaced families. Children in the region urgently need access to quality education, as well as psychosocial support to protect their emotional well-being and be ready to learn.