Most of those who gain entry to school are denied a quality education. It is estimated that significantly less than half of the adult population can read or write and that the average education of the work force stands at a mere 1.1 years. It supports national policy reforms directed at strengthening the system's financing and administrative capacity. Support is also targeted at helping to prepare newly recruited primary school teachers for the classroom, assisting principals in managing their schools and improving the quality of educational materials.
Special emphasis is put on improving the quality of education for female and rural students.
BESO has helped to advance many educational reforms in Ethiopia. The autonomy of teacher training institutes in the selection of their trainees is now a reality, and female enrollment at these institutions has been increasing. In order to improve planning and administration, school mapping techniques are being utilized in focus and other regions. Most activities address curriculum development, planning and policy, student assessment, female education, teacher training and community involvement. These ventures attempt to boost sector quality and equity in an environment of rapidly expanding access.