Learning loss and mental health & wellbeing: A longitudinal mixed-methods study of primary school students' experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic in Ethiopia

This paper examines the impact of Covid-19 school closures on primary school students in Ethiopia, focusing on learning loss and mental health. Using a mixed methods approach, we analyze a dataset of 2,000 students and conduct in-depth interviews with a subset of students who experienced decreased learning. Our findings reveal that 42% of children experienced learning loss, with greater impacts on students from low-income families and those with lower social skills. The qualitative data supports these findings and emphasizes the potential long-term consequences of school closures. The research underscores the need for strategies to mitigate learning loss, particularly among disadvantaged students, to prevent long-lasting negative effects.