Educational, psychosocial and protection outcomes of child- and youth-focused programming with Somali refugees in Buramino camp, Dollo Ado, Ethiopia

Abstract

Provision of child- and youth-friendly spaces has become a common feature of emergency humanitarian response. The evidence-base regarding such provision is, however, severely limited. This study reports outcomes of Child and Youth Learning Centres (CYLCs) established in Buramino refugee camp for those fleeing conflict in Somalia. Eighty-five youths completed baseline assessments shortly after arrival at the camp and follow-up assessments between three and six months later. Caregivers of 106 younger children completed similar assessments. Attendances at CYLCs between baseline and follow-up were collated. Baseline and follow-up literacy and numeracy assessments were completed by 693 children attending CYLCs. Those attending CYLCs made major gains in both literacy and numeracy (t=9.06 and t=13.94 for younger children and t=13.87 and t=17.10 for youth respectively, all p<.0001). Children’s CYLC attendance also enhanced perceptions of met needs (t=2.53 amongst caregivers and t=2.57 amongst youth, both p<.05) and, amongst caregivers but not youth, significantly moderated protection concerns amidst increasingly challenging camp conditions (t=2.39, p<0.05, and t=-1.90, p=0.06 respectively). There was general improvement in psychosocial well-being over time for all children; CYLC attendance predicted greater reductions in reported difficulties only amongst younger children (t=2.51, p<.05).