As millions of children head back to school this fall, new IRC program ensures over 150,000 conflict-affected children in Ethiopia access quality education

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, August 13, 2026 - As families around the world prepare to return to the classroom, education authorities in Ethiopia's Amhara and Tigray regions estimate that many children will remain out of school due to conflict and poverty. To support ongoing government-led efforts to close the gaps in education, and help children growing up in crisis to heal, learn, and thrive, the IRC together with partners Luminos Fund, Emmanuel Development Association (EDA), Amhara Development Association (ADA), and Tigray Development Association (TDA) launched Playful Education Pathways in Ethiopia (PEPE). The program is developed in partnership with the LEGO Foundation to reach more than 150,000 out-of-school children in 34 woredas in Amhara and Tigray.

Since launching in February 2026 in Addis Ababa, PEPE project partners conducted an initial assessment in selected woredas in Amhara and Tigray to better understand barriers affecting children's access to education. Findings from interviews highlighted challenges including economic hardship, security risks and child labor, which will inform the next phase of the project.

"Through PEPE, we are giving children a new chance to learn, play, and access opportunities for a brighter future. We are ready to bring that chance to over 150,000 out-of-school children across Amhara and Tigray," said Yilkal Chalachew, PEPE Project Coordinator for the IRC. "The completion of PEPE's inception phase reflects the extraordinary commitment of our consortium partners, government institutions, and communities to reach children who have been left behind for far too long."

"When conflict disrupts education, children risk losing not only opportunities to learn, but also the stability, connection and joy that are so important to their development," said Mary Winters, Senior Programme Manager at the LEGO Foundation."Through our partnership with the IRC and the PEPE consortium, we want to help create flexible pathways that meet children where they are and give them the opportunity to learn and play - to build confidence and continue their education. By reaching children in schools, communities and their homes, PEPE can help ensure that children affected by crisis have opportunities to keep learning, playing and thriving."

Building on this commitment, the consortium's assessment confirmed the potential of accelerated and home-based learning approaches to reach children affected by conflict. It also highlighted the need for coordinated, multi-sectoral action to address barriers to education and stronger systems for emergency preparedness and tracking out-of-school children.

"Every child back in school is a child one step closer to hope, opportunity, and a brighter future. Together, we are creating pathways to learning and ensuring that every child has the chance to thrive," said Mulugeta Sefinew, Amhara Program Manager, Emmanuel Development Association (EDA).

PEPE meets children where they are, through two complementary delivery models:

• School-based accelerated learning: For children who can safely access a school building, PEPE offers an Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) that condenses Grades 1 and 2 curricula into ALP Level I, and Grades 3 and 4 curricula into ALP Level II, helping older out-of-school children aged between 10 and 14 reintegrate into the formal education system at an age-appropriate level.
• Community- and home-based learning: In areas where schools remain closed or inaccessible due to insecurity, PEPE works directly with community leaders to deliver learning in safe community spaces close to children's homes.

Both pathways are grounded in playful learning methodologies, designed to support children's holistic learning and well-being, and help them cope with crisis.

The PEPE Consortium brings together the complementary strengths of international and Ethiopian partners, combining technical expertise, deep local knowledge and trusted community relationships to expand access to quality education. By working closely with government institutions and communities, PEPE will help build a more resilient, inclusive education system, capable of keeping children learning even in times of crisis.