Abstract

This study aimed to examine the contribution of co-curricular programs [CoCPs] to peaceful inter-ethnic relations [IER] of students in Addis Ababa University [AAU], Ambo University [AU] and University of Gondar [UoG]. To this end, mixed research design was employed. Primary sources of data were 150 students for quantitative study and 24 students who are members and non-members of Peace Club, six instructors and six management personnel for qualitative study. Four research questions were set to guide this research. Data gathered through questionnaire and semi-structured interview were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics and thematic analysis. The findings typically show inter-ethnic contact though Peace Club (one of the co-curricular platforms) engagement was found to be a contributory factor for positive IER of students. Statistically, inter-ethnic contact through participation in Peace Clubs accounts for about 40.1% of the variation in students' IER. However, there were gaps on having equality of status among members, regularity of activities, setting suitable settings for dialogues and institutional support to make clubs productive and impactful. It was recommended therefore, the Federal Ministry of Education [MoE] should focus on conducting a national study of wider scope on the subject, and it should create Inter-Ethnic and Co-curricular Policy to so as to systematically manage CoCPs particularly Peace Clubs in a way they can contribute for positive IER of students.