Addis Ababa, Hilton Hotel – A national consultation was held to discuss how to sustain the EU-supported project, ‘Restoring Essential Educational Services to Conflict-Affected Children in Ethiopia.’ The meeting, attended by government leaders, development partners, and donors, built on a series of regional consultations held in Afar, Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz, Oromia, South Ethiopia, and Tigray. Across all regions, one clear message emerged: education must not be interrupted by conflict; it must be protected, nurtured, and sustained.
The project, launched in December 2022 with generous funding from the European Union, has been jointly implemented by UNICEF, WFP, Plan International Ethiopia (PIE), Imagine1day, and Innovative Humanitarian Service. Imagine1day has implemented the project in the 6 regions with the ’Bete’ approach, which integrates learning, child protection, and life skills. In less than two years, the project has already made a significant difference in restoring education and protection services to thousands of vulnerable children. Key achievements include the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 55 schools with safe classrooms, gender-segregated latrines, and menstrual hygiene management facilities. More than 80,000 learning materials and furniture have been distributed to schools and children, and 22,243 out-of-school children have been enrolled in the Accelerated Education Program. Additionally, 34,219 children have received mental health and psychosocial support, while 2,529 teachers and facilitators were trained to strengthen learning and child protection systems. Through WFP, daily nutritious school meals have been provided, and Early Childhood Care and Education services were expanded, with 21 centers rehabilitated and facilitators equipped with Montessori kits. These results reflect hope restored, dignity preserved, and futures rekindled for Ethiopia’s most vulnerable children beyond being statistics.
The National Consultation centered on one crucial question: how can Ethiopia sustain and scale these life-changing results once EU project funding ends? Participants reviewed the draft Sustainability Strategy, examined potential risks and mitigation measures, and identified promising practices that must continue. These included Accelerated Education Programs to reach marginalized children, school feeding to keep learners in classrooms, ECCE services to lay strong foundations, safe learning environments through WASH and school rehabilitation, and the integration of child protection and psychosocial support into the education system. Community-level protection efforts, particularly through PTAs tackling child marriage, child labor, and school dropout, were also highlighted as critical areas for continuation.
The meeting brought together key actors from across the education sector. These included the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, Regional Education and Women and Social Affairs Bureaus, UNICEF, WFP, Plan International Ethiopia, Imagine1day, Innovative Humanitarian Service, the European Union Delegation, the World Bank, Mary’s Meals, and Addis Ababa University. Imagine1day showcased its contributions over the past two years under the pillars of learning, child protection, and life skills development, while also highlighting lessons learned, coordination efforts, and challenges encountered. Participants collectively endorsed the Sustainability Strategy and reaffirmed their shared responsibility to ensure children continue learning, thriving, and recovering from the effects of conflict.
Looking ahead, the Sustainability Strategy sets out to ensure the continuation of promising practices and results achieved in EU-supported schools, facilitate the scale-up of interventions across national and regional systems, and secure ownership, financing, and accountability at all levels of government and community. With the EU’s support and the commitment of government, partners, and communities, the project has kindled hope for Ethiopia’s conflict-affected children. The National Consultation has now charted a pathway to keep that hope alive, ensuring that no child is left behind because of conflict.
Story: A girl empowered against the unfortunate consequences of displacement
“I was so scared when I heard the gunshots, and I couldn’t understand why everything around me was burning and falling apart. I just ran, not knowing where I was going, and ended up far away from my family. But today, I’m happy again, and it’s all thanks to the support I’ve received from the intervention of the EU, UNICEF, and Imagine1day. I will be happier if this program gives the opportunity, I got to other children who are out of school due to conflict or other reasons,” says Genet Engda, a 13-year-old Accelerated Education Program student at Gato Lango Learning center in Derashe district of South Ethiopia region. 
Genet’s world was turned upside down when conflict broke out in her village in the Southern Region of Ethiopia. “When the fighting started, many houses and schools were burned, and I lost my mother. I never knew my father,” Genet recalls, her voice heavy with the memories of that terrifying time. Forced to flee with strangers, Genet became an unaccompanied child, carrying the weight of grief and confusion alone.
“The day we displaced, I ran away to another kebele with people I don’t know,” Genet shares. For two years, she lived as an Internally Displaced Person (IDP) in Karat Zuriya, South Ethiopia, carrying the trauma of her mother’s death and the loss of everything familiar.
During this time, Genet faced extreme isolation and emotional distress. “I stayed at home without education for the last four years due to the conflict in my village. I felt depressed and hopeless,” she explains. But despite her dark circumstances, Genet held on to the faintest hope of returning to school, a dream that once seemed impossible.
Then, after the conflict subsided, Genet was able to reconnect with her home community of Gato. She found a caregiver, a kind woman who wasn’t a relative but welcomed Genet into her home. “After staying with her for a few months, I heard from other students that there was an organization helping children like me, providing education and support,” Genet remembers. With courage and determination, she asked her caregiver if she could take the opportunity to go to school, and with her caregiver’s support, Genet began her journey to recovery.
On her first day at school, Genet was welcomed with open arms. The EU-funded UNICEF project provided her with all the scholastic materials she needed. “I was so happy when they gave me my books and showed me my classroom. It felt like a dream come true,” Genet says, smiling brightly.
Through this program, Genet didn’t just regain access to education; she also found emotional healing. She participated in psychosocial support activities and was introduced to child protection services, including family tracing and reunification. The organization facilitated her legal foster care arrangement, offering Genet the stability and care she had long been deprived of. “I was able to have a new family, and I started feeling safe again,” she says.
Genet is now thriving in her studies. “My favorite subject is mathematics, and I’m doing well,” she says proudly. With the support of her foster caregiver, Turiya Zafu, and the educational program, Genet’s future is filled with new possibilities. Turiya, who has watched Genet blossom, expresses her gratitude for the support the family has received. “I am so grateful to the EU, UNICEF, and Imagine1day for supporting Genet. She is evolving in all aspects since she started the AEP, and she is a happy child after the intervention.”
Genet’s dreams of becoming an engineer so that she can help build homes for those who have lost theirs. “I want to construct houses for people who don’t have homes. I want to help others, just like I was helped,” Genet says with a sense of purpose that shows her resilience.
Story: Shaping the Lifeline of Children in Conflict Settings
“I am deeply grateful to the EU, UNICEF, and Imagine1day for giving me the opportunity to learn and for providing all the essential school supplies I needed. They have equipped me with pens, exercise books, and a school bag—things my grandparents could never afford,” says 12-year-old Gitsa Mgako, Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) student in Kutir 2 returnee site in Mandura District, Benishangul Gumuz region, Ethiopia.
Gitsa and his community were displaced from their hometown, spending many days in fear and hunger due to the conflict. Too young to fully understand the violence, Gitsa witnessed the tragic deaths of his parents during a gunfight.
Gitsa says, “Seeing my mom and my dad killed was very shocking. I cried, yelled, and screamed, but no one could hear me. Everyone was panicked, and all I could see were people running, desperately trying to save themselves. After this traumatic event, I was taken in by my grandparents, with whom I still live. I felt so lonely due to the trauma, given I have no siblings, being the only child of my parents.”
Gitsa had never attended school before the conflict and doubted whether he could keep up with his peers. However, the fact that the EU-supported education he is attending is accelerated has enabled him to complete grade one in a short period.
“I am happy I am enrolled in grade two in just months. No one at home pushes me to attend to my education properly, but the Imagine1day staff and the school community encourage me a lot. They have convinced me that education is the only way to a better future that changes my life and enables me to support my family. ”
Despite the psycho-social support, Gitsa used to face emotional challenges.
“The memories of my parents’ death initially made me hesitant to engage with other children at school. I struggled to be part of a crowd and often felt isolated. However, through the psychosocial support provided by Imagine1day, I’ve gradually learned to interact with my classmates and now feel comfortable in group settings. The only challenge I still face is not having a pair of shoes, especially when I help my grandparents by herding cattle or gathering firewood,” explains Gitsa.
Driven by his deep regret at not being able to save his parents, Gitsa dreams of becoming a doctor, saying, “If I were a doctor, I could have saved my parents.” English is his favorite subject, and he aspires to one day communicate directly with donors to express his gratitude for their support in providing him with educational opportunities and resources.
Story: Overcoming Barriers: Salad’s Path to Education and Empowerment
“I walk an hour and a half to school after getting the opportunity of the Accelerated Education Program,” says Salad Kuchura, a nine-year-old boy from Deka Kala School in Liben District of East Borana zone, Ethiopia. “I have seven brothers and two sisters, and only three of us got a chance for an education; the rest were left behind. I would not have had a chance to go to school if EU, UNICEF, and Imagine1day hadn’t appeared here.”
For Salad, the path to education was a difficult one. His family lives in a rural area where access to schools is limited, and the distance was often a barrier too great to overcome. “I used to sit at home, doing other obligations if I didn’t get this golden opportunity from the intervention,” Salad admits. “I didn’t expect to join school because I couldn’t walk a long distance due to a problem with my leg.”
Salad’s leg condition made the journey even harder. He was often left feeling isolated, unable to play with his peers. “I used to feel shy because of my leg. I thought I couldn’t go and play like the other children,” he explains. But things began to change when his teachers told him he could get an assistive device that would help him walk longer distances and feel more confident.
“At first, I refused to use crutches because I didn’t think they would help. I didn’t believe they could make me walk and play with the other children,” Salad recalls. “But now I am very happy; I can run and play with my classmates, and I feel like I am just like everyone else.” Continues Salad, “Even if I have stress due to conflicts or feel smaller than other children, Life Skill Education and Socio Emotional Learning have helped me build confidence in my journey.” These programs, funded by the EU, granted by UNICEF, and implemented by Imagine1day, focus on supporting children like Salad in their social and emotional growth, helping them cope with the stresses that life may throw their way.
Salad has found his passion for learning, especially in the Afan Oromo subject. “I like Afan Oromo the most. I want to be a teacher after I finish my education. My teacher, Darmi, helped me to love myself and build confidence in my life. I want to teach affected children like me,” he says, his determination clear in his voice.
Salad’s commitment to his studies is evident in his academic performance. “I am studying and following my education carefully. I stood first in my class with a 94.4 average,” he proudly announces.
Staff Bio: Girma Habte – National Child Protection & GBV Program Manager, Imagine1day
Girma Habte serves as the National Child Protection and GBV Program Manager at Imagine1day, where he leads multi-sectoral projects across Afar, Amhara, and Tigray. With more than a decade of experience in humanitarian and development programming, he ensures that interventions are trauma-informed, survivor-centered, gender-responsive, and aligned with both national frameworks and international standards.
Before joining Imagine1day, Girma worked with Innovative Humanitarian Solutions (IHS) for five years, first as Regional Program Coordinator in Tigray and later as National CPEiE Program Manager. In these roles, he managed multi-million-dollar emergency projects across Ethiopia, including refugee operations in Alemwach, Aysaita, Berhale, and Shimelba camps, as well as IDP response programs. His focus areas included Child Protection, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS).
Earlier in his career, Girma gained valuable frontline experience with the LUMOS Project in Shimelba Refugee Camp, Shire, and with Kids Bright Tact Charity Organization in Addis Ababa, where he worked directly with vulnerable children and youth. He has also completed international professional development trainings, further strengthening his expertise in child protection, psychosocial support, and safeguarding.
Girma holds an MA in Social Psychology from Addis Ababa University and a BA in Sociology & Social Work from Jimma University. He is certified in child protection, case management, disability inclusion, and psychosocial support.
Bringing together strong technical expertise and strategic leadership, Girma is dedicated to strengthening child protection systems, advancing safeguarding practices, and implementing inclusive, community-driven programs. His vision is to further advance Imagine1day’s mission by enhancing holistic child protection, GBV, and MHPSS interventions, empowering communities, and building resilient systems that sustainably protect children and women across Ethiopia.