Oromia Development Association (ODA) has extended its expertise in education by implementing impactful Education in Emergencies (EiE) programs, particularly in drought-affected areas. In partnership with Save the Children International (SCI) and other key stakeholders, ODA launched targeted early learning initiatives addressing critical gaps in education and child well-being for internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities in Oromia.
The Education in Emergencies (EiE) interventions, specifically the Accelerated School Readiness (ASR) programs and O-Class early learning initiatives, have shown significant progress and measurable success in some of the most drought-affected and vulnerable areas. In East Bale, the ASR and O-Class programs targeted six key woredas: Ginnir, Sawena, Gololcha, Dawe Sarar, Dawae Kachan, and Laga Hidha. In West Guji, the intervention areas included Abayya, Galana, Suro Barguda, Dugda Dawa, and Malka Soda.
In the first year of implementation, ODA reached 5,600 children in these drought-impacted locations, providing essential foundational learning through the ASR program. By the second year, the scope expanded significantly, and 12,937 children across both ASR and O-Class programs were enrolled in these regions. By the third year, ODA successfully supported 13,145 children, ensuring access to structured pre-primary education despite the ongoing challenges posed by the drought and displacement crises. This growth highlights ODA’s capacity to adapt to the needs of vulnerable populations, especially in areas heavily affected by food insecurity and displacement.
A hallmark of this project was the integration of High Energy Biscuits (HEB), covering 80% of school feeding needs, alongside home-grown school feeding programs that provided the remaining 20% of nutritious meals. This innovative approach not only addressed malnutrition and hunger among children but also strengthened local economies by engaging communities in food production and distribution. The provision of school meals played a pivotal role in improving school attendance, reducing dropout rates, and enhancing children’s cognitive development and classroom engagement.
ODA’s EiE program also prioritized the creation of safe and conducive learning environments for children. By constructing new classrooms, rehabilitating existing infrastructure, and equipping schools with essential materials, ODA ensured that children could learn in supportive and child-friendly settings. Teachers and facilitators were provided with training to deliver play-based and accelerated learning methodologies, further improving the quality of education. This capacity-building component empowered educators to respond to the unique needs of children affected by displacement and emergencies.
Community engagement and parental involvement were central to the program’s success. ODA worked closely with local communities, mobilizing parental volunteers and caregivers to support children’s education and well-being at home and in schools. Additionally, the project incorporated child protection mechanisms and gender-sensitive interventions, ensuring that girls, children with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups were fully included in learning activities.
The partnership between ODA and Save the Children International reflects a model of resilience, innovation, and sustainability in emergency education programming. With plans to extend the project through September 2027, ODA aims to build on these successes by reaching even more children in need, strengthening community ownership, and ensuring long-term educational continuity for drought-affected regions in Oromia.
Through this EiE experience, ODA has not only addressed immediate educational needs but also laid a strong foundation for inclusive, equitable, and sustainable learning environments that will benefit future generations.