Speed School is an accelerated learning program designed to give children in Ethiopia a second chance at education. In regions where millions of children have missed out on formal schooling, Speed School offers a 10-month course that allows students to advance up to three grade levels. Once completed, the students are ready to re-enter the formal education system. The initiative has successfully reached over 65,000 children, providing them with the tools and opportunities needed to transition into standard government schools.
The program, launched in 2011 by Geneva Global in collaboration with the Legatum Foundation, focuses on children who have been excluded from school due to poverty, conflict, or other barriers. The curriculum is based on activity-based learning (ABL), an approach that engages children through play, hands-on activities, and interactive methods. The Speed School program has a strong community component, including Self-Help Groups for mothers, where they can learn new skills and provide mutual support. This engagement helps reinforce the importance of education within the community and empowers parents to support their children’s schooling.
The article highlights 13-year-old Asefa Tadese who exemplifies the impact of Speed School. For years, he worked as a cattle tender, spending long days in harsh conditions with no access to education. From the time of his enrollment in Speed School — his first time in a classroom, Asefa was determined to leave his former life behind and embrace the opportunity to learn. Asefa’s story illustrates the struggles faced by many children in Ethiopia who, due to circumstances beyond their control, miss out on formal schooling. However, the Speed School program offers these children a path forward, enabling them to catch up and pursue a better future.
The success of the Speed School model is due in part to its financial efficiency. By carefully monitoring data on dropout rates and student transitions, the program ensures that resources are used effectively to maximize social impact. Moreover, the emphasis on measuring outcomes helps identify areas for improvement and ensures that successful strategies are scaled up. For instance, research has shown that Speed School students outperform their peers in public schools, especially in subjects like reading and math.
The Speed School program has made a significant impact on the lives of students and their communities, offering a transformative educational experience. Many students, like Asefa Tadese, view their education as a chance to change their lives and escape the cycle of poverty. The program has also helped shift local attitudes toward education, with parents realizing its value not only for economic advancement but for personal and intellectual growth as well.