Understanding Change in Foundational Literacy for Youth in Action Participants in Ethiopia

Young people around the world have “aspirations and dreams of who they want to be, how they will contribute to their communities and the work they would like to do.” However, many out-of-school rural youths in the majority of the world who face limited formal socioeconomic opportunities, are often unable to access quality formal education, and lack foundational skills that could support livelihood development. Literacy has been the focus of livelihood development programming for youth in the world. It is especially important for youth who engage in independent income-generating activities, as it allows them to increase levels of promotion, management, and negotiation around key aspects of their business.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect a reduction in literacy instruction has on literacy gains made during the learning phase of the Youth in Action programme, which aims to facilitate the improvement of the socioeconomic status of out-of-school youth. It also aimed to provide information about youth literacy change over the period of the Youth in Action curriculum.