ECDev Strengthens Integrated Early Childhood Development Programming Through Evidence-Based Learning Workshop

the Ethiopian Center for Development (ECDev) participated in the presentation and discussion of an exploratory research study conducted by Busara Center for Behavioral Economics on the Wolisso Early Childhood Development and Education (ECD/E) project, funded by Children in Crossfire (CiC) and implemented by Maedot. The presentation highlighted findings from the program’s formative evaluation, showcasing an integrated ECD/E in Emergencies model built around five key outcome areas: livelihood support, trauma-informed care, learning through play, protective social networks, and psychosocial support, health and nutrition. Grounded in a dual-generation approach and informed by UNICEF’s Nurturing Care Framework, the program offers valuable evidence on supporting young children and their caregivers in vulnerable contexts. As a strategic implementation partner of CiC, ECDev leveraged this opportunity to deepen its understanding of evidence-based ECD/E programming, drawing practical insights to strengthen the design and delivery of its urban early childhood initiatives. These learnings will contribute to the continued evolution of ECDev’s approach to integrated, child-centered, and family-focused programming. This marks the first of a four-day consultative workshop dedicated to translating rigorous implementation evidence into actionable programming for ECDev’s Pathways to Learning: Integrated School Readiness Program (ISRP) (Meneshaye). As one of the leading innovators in early childhood development systems strengthening in Ethiopia, ECDev remains committed to advancing scalable, high-quality, and equitable ECD models across Addis Ababa. Through integrated interventions that support children, caregivers, and communities alike, ECDev is working to ensure that positive developmental outcomes extend beyond the classroom and are sustained within families and communities for generations to come. Children in Crossfire UNICEF Ethiopia UNICEF Busara Global Schools Forum