One, Two, Four! A Speed School Success Story from Gode in Ethiopia

Since 2011, the Speed School program has served as a beacon of hope for overage, out-of-school children in Ethiopia. Speed School provides an accelerated educational program that covers not only crucial foundational learning but also transferable life skills. This innovative program provides a fresh start to children aged 9-14, enabling them to catch up and join the formal education system. With its joyful and vibrant classroom environment, Speed School has already reached over 280,000 children in Ethiopia and continues to empower students to excel in their future schooling and livelihoods.

With funding from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and support from the Somali Regional Education Bureau (REB), Geneva Global launched the Speed School program for the 2022/2023 academic year in Ethiopia’s Somali region in the Gode and Adadle districts. Facing often difficult environmental challenges and a shorter implementation period, this initiative went above and beyond expectations, incorporating not only educational content but crucial life skills training within the accelerated curriculum. This comprehensive approach empowered 769 students, 391 girls and 378 boys, to finish the curriculum of two grades and also develop transferable life skills, such as leadership and communication skills, to apply in their futures.

The program’s success is evident in its impressive outcomes. The typical Speed School program covers curriculum from grades 1-3 and most students are placed in fourth grade. However, given the shorter implementation period in Gode, only grades 1-2 were covered. Despite this change, Geneva Global worked closely with the Somali REB to lead these classes and prepare students for the upcoming placement test. An impressive 68% of the students were placed in Grade 4 for the 2023/2024 academic year. This speaks volumes to the program’s effectiveness in preparing children to excel within the formal education system.

After seeing the success of the Speed School program in Gode, the Geneva Global team evaluated what made Speed School’s so successful. The Speed School program’s success in the Gode region highlights four major takeaways:

 

•  A fresh start is possible: The program demonstrates that overage, out-of-school children can catch up and join government education system.
• Accelerated learning works: The program’s condensed curriculum effectively equips children with essential knowledge and skills in a shorter time frame.
• Holistic development is crucial: Integrating life skills training alongside academic studies prepares children for success both inside and outside the classroom.
• Collaboration is key: Partnerships between institutions and different stakeholders, like UNICEF, the Somali REB, and local groups such as the Organization for Welfare and Development in Action (OWDA) are essential for scaling up the program and reaching more children.

The Speed School program is not just about academics; it’s about rebuilding hope and empowering children to reach their full potential. It offers a pathway to a brighter future for those who might otherwise have fallen through the cracks. The program’s success in Ethiopia’s Somali region is a testament to its adaptability and commitment to providing quality education for all children, regardless of their background or circumstances.

The Speed School program’s journey is far from over. As it continues to expand and refine its approach, it has the potential to transform the lives of countless children in Ethiopia and beyond. By providing a fresh start and equipping children with the tools they need to succeed, the Speed School program is paving the way for a brighter future for all out of school children.