A total of 87,590 textbooks have been distributed to conflict-affected schools in Amhara Region, Ethiopia to support the learning needs of refugees, internally displaced and host community children. Working together with the Regional Bureau of Education and partners, the PlayMatters Emergency Response Mechanism project facilitated the printing and distribution of the books that will promote the quality of education of the children and ensure safe basic needs and healthy school environment for them.  

During the  handover ceremony in April 2023 at the Amhara Regional Educational Bureau Offices in Bahir Dar, Amhara, Ethiopia, which was attended by partners, government officials, UNICEF, media and other  dignitaries, Mr. Yohannes Gebreselassie, the Emergency Response Coordinator at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) said crisis affects and impacts children’s learning and the school environment. “There is need for us to facilitate and realize child-friendly inclusive learning environments through classrooms and WASH facilities rehabilitation, education materials provision including scholastic materials and textbooks distribution, school feeding, Mental Health and Psychosocial support (MHPSS) training for educators and students,” he said.

He added that, “PlayMatters Learning through Play methodology of teaching and learning provides a new opportunity for children to learn holistically, recover and have their well-being needs addressed.”

Ms. Abeba Sisay, the Program Director for Imagine1Day in Amhara Region, one of the 10 IRC subgrantees implementing partners of the Emergency Response Mechanism project in Ethiopia, conveyed her appreciation to the IRC and Education Bureau for the tremendous efforts and milestone in having these textbooks made available and distributed to children. The event also solidifies the collaboration that PlayMatters has with the government in realizing and transforming education for children through active, play-based pedagogies. 

In addition, the Ethiopia Emergency Response Mechanism improves access to WASH services, health & nutrition and protection services for children affected by conflict and disaster. The 87,590 textbooks will be distributed to 160 schools and benefit over 56,000 school going children from Grade 1 to 4.

Learn more about PlayMatters in Ethiopia.

The PlayMatters Emergency Response Mechanism launches in Ethiopia

How play-based learning can improve the quality of education in Ethiopia