Mesele Araya

Mesele Araya is a Researcher affiliated with the University of Cambridge's Faculty of Education, currently working on the RISE Ethiopia project. His role involves research on educational systems and inequality in low-income contexts.

Education:

• PhD in Human Capital Development (University of Bergamo, Italy, 2016)
• MSc in Economics (Addis Ababa University, 2010)

Research interests focus on early childhood education, educational inequality, child health/nutrition, poverty dynamics, and skill formation. He has extensive experience with longitudinal studies like Young Lives (University of Oxford), GAGE (Overseas Development Institute), and the Early Learning Partnership (REAL Centre). His work often addresses gendered perspectives in education and labor market transitions.

Publications highlight Ethiopia-specific analyses of educational outcomes, poverty dynamics, and policy impacts. His research bridges academic theory with practical policy recommendations for improving educational equity and child wellbeing in low-resource environments.

Advising/grants: Core contributor to major research initiatives including Young Lives, GAGE, and RISE. Collaborates with international organizations like the Overseas Development Institute and the REAL Centre.