Ethiopia

Key facts

4.6

million adolescents are out of school as of 2015, of which 2.4 million are girls and 2.2 million boys

53%

The infant mortality rate has reduced significantly by 53% over the last two decades, a clear impact of improved education for all, but especially for women and girls

+27%

Girls’ attendance during Link’s first Girls’ Education Challenge project improved by 27% relative to attendance at non-project schools

61,345

girls are enrolled in schools engaged in Link’s projects in Ethiopia

Since 2007 Link’s work has improved the education and life chances of nearly 98,000 children in disadvantaged rural areas of Ethiopia.

We have championed girls’ education, working towards higher school enrolment, retention and performance, as well as supporting marginalised girls’ transition from primary to secondary education and beyond into further education or employment.

… teaching a female is teaching a community and a female can achieve anything if given a chance.

Betheseada, 14

Promoting language and literacy in disadvantaged areas has been a key strand of our work in Ethiopia, as well as widening access to quality preschool education. We’ve also supported school leaders and teachers through improved professional development to help them teach more effectively and manage their schools more efficiently.

Using our school performance review, we share user-friendly school data with communities who then understand how to help improve their school. This increases ownership, strengthens accountability and makes government education policy meaningful at grassroots level.

Link’s holistic approach aligns with government policy in Ethiopia and extends ownership to all levels of the community by working closely with government staff and local institutions. This supports sustainability and improves social accountability.

Fund Manager of Girls’ Education Challenge, September 2016

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