Executive Summary The ongoing armed conflict in the Amhara region between the Ethiopian government forces and the Amhara Fano forces has caused significant disruptions in the lives of the local population in East and West Gojjam, and Awi Zones. This research seeks to explore the multifaceted impacts of the conflict on education, the economy, psychosocial well-being, and political stability in these regions. With the conflict lasting for nine months, children have been deprived of education, communities are suffering from psychosocial distress, and both the economy and political environment are severely affected. The study aims to achieve two key objectives: first, to provide a detailed understanding of the situation through evidence-based findings, which will be disseminated at local, national, and international levels; and second, to gather data that can help develop interventions to address the ongoing impacts of the conflict, preventing long-term damage to the affected populations. To meet these objectives, the research will use a mixed-methods approach, employing both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design and a phenomenological research design will be applied. Data will be gathered through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and document analysis. The research will focus on a purposive sample of individuals directly affected by or involved in the conflict, selected from towns and Woredas using a simple random sampling method. Collected data analyzed using percentage and frequency distributions for quantitative data, and thematic content analysis for qualitative data. Ethical considerations, such as ensuring participant confidentiality and voluntary participation strictly followed. The outcomes of this study will raise awareness of the conflict‘s impacts, inform intervention strategies, and provide evidence to guide recovery efforts. Ultimately, the research will contribute to developing targeted policies and actions to support education, economic recovery, psychosocial well-being, and political stability in the affected regions.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Globally, the amount of time children spend using electronic or digital devices—commonly referred to as screen time are increasingly prevalent. This growing prevalence of screen time among children has raised concerns about its impact on their development. Therefore, this study aimed to explore three key themes: (1) the availability and use of electronic devices in households, (2) factors contributing to excessive screen time among children, and (3) the relationship between screen time and children's cognitive, emotional, and social development. The study was conducted in five selected towns within the East Gojjam Administrative Zone, namely Debre Markos, Bichena, Merto Lemariam, Dejen, and Lumame. For the quantitative data, 845 participants were chosen using multistage sampling techniques. Additionally, qualitative data was collected through interviews with 25 participants, 9 focus group discussions, and the collection of 16 diaries. We collected data by using questionnaires, semistructured interviews, focus group discussions, and diary records. For quantitative data analysis, SPSS version 20 was used. To summarize the demographic characteristics of participants, and describe the availability and use of electronic devices, descriptive statistics such as percentage and mean were used. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between the total and device-specific screen time and children’s socioemotional and cognitive development. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The study revealed that children ages 2 to 5 had an average screen time of 244 minutes each day. The two most frequently used electronic devices in this age group are televisions, at 80.4%, and smartphones, at 45.2%. The multiple regression analysis indicated that parental screen time, mother’s employment status, and age were significantly and positively associated with children’s screen time. In conclusion, screen time for children aged 2 to 5 years exceeds the recommended limit. To have proper screen time for both parents and children, it is important to establish and implement clear guidelines. 

Abstract The main purpose of this study is assessing the Root Causes and Possible Way Outs of the Current Armed Conflict in Amhara Region. To acquire sufficient and detail information, mixed research approach, and a descriptive research with cross sectional design had employed that intends to reckon the root causes, aggravating factors, and its way outs. The total numbers of participants were 420for survey, 42 key informants and 64 discussants. Participants were selected from the entire target population using both probability and non-probability sampling techniques. From probability sampling technique; proportional and simple random sampling methods were used to choose research participants. From the non-probability sampling technique on the other hand, purposive sampling method had employed to attain a pivotal and constructive data that pertinent to the study. The data which was obtained from survey questionnaires were analyzed through descriptive statistics (mean), while the qualitative data have been analyzed by narration and thematic methods of analyses. The study found out that the root causes of armed conflict which had happened in Amhara region are human rights violations, living Situation of Amhara‘s ethnic, disband the Amhara regional special force, kidnapping of Amhara ethnic, ethnic based attack, less political representation, identity question, hate speech by higher officials over Amhara peoples, failure of government to keep the security of its people. Due to attack innocent peoples and sexual violence committed by government forces intensified the conflict in the region. Besides, instead of disclose for negotiation, the incumbent government opted to fight Fano militants. Thereby, armed conflict exacerbated and has been endless in the region so far. The finding confirmed that federal government forces, Amhara regional forces, Fano militants, social Medias‘ activists are the actors who involved in and ignite this weapon based conflict in Amhara region. Therefore, amending the constitution, ensure fair distribution of resources and rule of law, protect human rights, give immediate answers for identity question, establish transitional government can address the problem. Key Words: Amhara, Armed conflict, Causes, Way out

Early childhood care and education (ECCE) is the basis for the enduring instillationof personal habits and societal ideals. Thus, the study aimed to investigate the practiceand challenges of implementing ECCE in Bahir Dar city administration, Ethiopia. To thisend, a qualitative research approach with a multiple case study design was used. Quali-tative data were collected from 40 participants (ECCE teachers, caregivers, unit leaders,school principals, and Bahir Dar city administration education experts). Observation,interviewing, and focus group discussion were used as data collection instruments. Asa result, ECCE was poorly implemented. By and large, the finding of this study identi-fied many challenges that inhibit the successful implementation of ECCE, such as lackof teachers and caregivers’ training, poor physical environment, inadequate resources/facilities, inappropriate teacher–student ratio, and unrealistic demands of parents.These hindrances increase learning gaps that widen over time, contributing to higherdropout rates and reduced literacy levels. The study results would have importantimplications for the advancement of the ECCE program. Additionally, the findingsmight inform policymakers and educators on areas that require further developmentor intervention, ultimately contributing to improving of early childhood learningexperiences.Keywords: Caregivers, Challenges, Early childhood care and education, Practice, Teachers

The purpose of the study was to examine the association between depression and substance abuse and to assess theirprevalence and associated factors. A cross-sectional design was employed. To collect data for the present study, 2 scales (Beckdepression inventory and Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement screening Test [ASSIST]) was administered to students.Two hundred fifty seven Addis Ababa Institute of Technology final year regular undergraduate students were participated. Theresults revealed that a high correlation was found between depression and substance abuse. The prevalence of depression is27.2%. Similarly, the prevalence of alcohol abuse, khat abuse, cigarette abuse and cannabis abuse are 25.5%, 17.7%, 9.5%, and3.3% respectively. Hence, the overall substance abuse prevalence is 14%. Alcohol is most abused drug followed by khat abuse.Cigarette and cannabis abuse take the 3rd and 4th rank respectively. Multivariate test of significance reveals that gender, religionand the interaction of gender with religion, residence, and ethnicity had an effect on the two combined dependent measures.Females are more depressed than males. In turn, males are more substance abusers than females. The researchers suggestedthat the university to establish its own substance abuse prevention and treatment working center which is open for psychologists,therapist and other health workers.Abbreviations: AAIT = Addis Ababa Institute of Technology, ASSIST = Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement ScreeningTest, BDI = Beck Depression Inventory, MANOVA = Multiple Analysis of Variance, WHO = World Health Organization.Keywords: alcohol, depression, khat, substance abuse, university students

the main purpose of this study was to explore the social and cultural challenges andcoping strategies of women experiencing infertility in Bichena town, ethiopia. thisstudy followed a qualitative research approach and a descriptive phenomenologicaldesign. this study applied a purposive sampling technique and selected 30 samples.through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and key informant interviewswere used. thematic analysis was employed for data analysis. the findings revealed thatwomen experiencing infertility were challenged by social challenges; the major socialcomponents were isolation, stigma, family and social pressure, marital instability, andlow social status. Women experiencing infertility were also challenged by culturalfactors. Missing cultural rituals, trouble in asking newborn mothers, not considering fullwomen or motherhood, and missing the value of children were the major culturalchallenges of women experiencing infertility. Women experiencing infertility also useda variety of coping strategies, such as religious, traditional, medical, and informalfosterage. the study concluded that women experiencing infertility in the study areawere challenged by social and cultural factors that made their lives bitter and useddifferent coping strategies to manage their ongoing problems. this study has theoreticalimplications for current literature knowledge and practical implications.
KEYWORDS: Coping strategies; women experiencing infertility; cultural challenge; social challenge