Tigray, Ethiopia – Imagine1day, in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and UNICEF, is revolutionizing education in Tigray by launching an integrated project across 14 primary schools in the Central zone. This groundbreaking initiative emphasizes life-skills development through sports, debates, and academic competitions, with a focus on peace-building and fostering a safe learning environment.

The project extends to four Tigray Weredas—Naeder, Qeyih-Tekli, Qola-Tembien, and Tanqua-Milash—sub-granted to the local NGO, SENEthiopia. Co-curricular activities such as sports competitions and academic contests promote peaceful and safe learning environments in the target schools.

School-Level and Inter-School Competitions

The project kicked off with school-level competitions in football, running, jumping, debates, and academic question/answer sessions. The best performers from these events advanced to inter-school contests, creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere for students. Discussions with parents, children, teachers, and Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) members covered crucial themes such as peace learning, safe games, environmental awareness, back-to-learning initiatives, and the importance of educating girls and children with disabilities.

These activities have significantly boosted the academic motivation and performance of students, while also improving physical and psychological wellbeing. Students have developed essential skills such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, communication, creativity, and environmental awareness.

Impact and Outcomes

The initiative has positively impacted 14,956 school community members, including 14,396 children, 448 teachers, 14 principals, and 98 PTSA members. Their roles as competitors, fans, coordinators, and beneficiaries have enriched their school experience and community involvement.

Designed to boost students’ self-esteem and self-confidence, sports competitions positively impact academic performance and personal relationships. These activities also foster social skills, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving abilities, which are crucial for building resilience in challenging contexts like Tigray.

Academic competitions engage students, motivating them to excel academically. These challenges enhance academic performance and make learning enjoyable.

Primary Objectives and Achievements

The primary objective of the sports, debate, and academic competitions is to enhance children’s academic motivation, performance, and well-being. The activities aim to develop leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and creativity skills, along with environmental awareness and peace/safe learning.

A total of 413 individuals participated in the competitions, including 284 children, 98 coordinator teachers, and 31 other participants. Competitions were conducted at both school and district levels, with school-level competitions culminating in inter-school events. Winners received trophy cups in a colorful event attended by parents, children, and teachers. Awards included scholastic materials for all participants, special cups for competition winners, and overall trophy awards for the top-performing schools.

Post-Competition Evaluations

Post-competition evaluations revealed several positive outcomes:

– Parents observed their children’s healing and renewed hope.

– Improved student-teacher relationships.

– Increased parental motivation to support their children’s education.

– Teachers gained insights into learners’ strengths and weaknesses.

– Enhanced friendships and cooperation among students.