Funded by IPA's Peace & Recovery Program and in partnership with the Ethiopia Ministry of Education, researchers will conduct a randomized evaluation of a program requiring first-degree students at public universities to spend a year living and working in a community from a different ethnic background. They will measure whether the program promotes mutual understanding, reduces prejudice, and contributes to the development of a cohesive Ethiopian national identity.

Three decades ago, Ethiopia adopted an ethnic federal system, establishing administrative boundaries that correspond to dominant ethnic groups. While intended to empower ethnic groups, this approach has limited inter-ethnic interactions and weakened a sense of shared national identity. In response, the Ethiopian Ministry of Education (MoE) is preparing to launch a University Service Program (USP), which will require first-degree students at public universities to spend a year living and working in a community from a different ethnic background. The program aims to foster meaningful, long-term engagement between students and host communities, encouraging the exchange of ideas, traditions, and ways of life. 

In partnership with the Ethiopia Ministry of Education, researchers will conduct a randomized evaluation to measure the impact of this University Service Program. Intervention participants will be assigned to a service assignment outside of their home region while comparison participants will be assigned to a service assignment in their home region. Researchers will assess the potential of the USP to promote mutual understanding, reduce prejudice, and contribute to the development of a cohesive Ethiopian national identity.

Research ongoing.

Implementing Partner