ETHIOPIAN EMPLOYERS ' FEDERATION By

Special thanks to EEF/ILO that made this study possible. A special debt of gratitude is also owed to the research team, who despite time and resource constraints conducted the study with zeal and efficiency. I would like to record my appreciation for Joel Kaswarra of ILO/Ethiopia and Alemseged W/Yohannes of EEF who examined the draft report and suggested constructive comments that have helped to make the document more viable and meaningful than it otherwise would be. My special thanks also go to the General Managers of Limmu Kossa, Limmu Sunthu, Bebeka, Teppi and Gumero for agreeing to have the Rapid Assessment Study on their plantations. They have genuinely collaborated with the research team, made time for the interviews, and willingly shared their knowledge and experience to make this study possible. The greatest debt, however, is owed to the children, managers, supervisors, teachers, headmasters, elders of the communities, and parents who agreed to be interviewed and participated in the focus group discussions. Without their support, the Rapid Assessmen