Over Nine Million Ethiopian Children Without Access to Education Amid Ongoing Crisis

In Ethiopia, an alarming 9 million children currently lack access to education as the country grapples with a widespread humanitarian crisis. In 2023, the school-aged population reached approximately 35.4 million, yet only about 22.9 million were enrolled in schools, leaving over 35% of children out of formal education.

The educational disruption stems from armed conflicts, natural disasters, tribal tensions, and economic instability. Since the onset of conflict between the federal government and the Tigray regional government in 2020, the situation has worsened, with significant infrastructure damage, particularly to schools. As of November 2024, around 10,000 schools were reported damaged, and more than 6,000 were closed due to violence and natural disasters, especially in regions such as Amhara, Oromia, Tigray, Somali, and Afar.

The consequences of this educational crisis are dire. Children out of school face increased risks of child labor, early marriage, and exploitation, while the lifelong disadvantages associated with lacking education hinder their personal and economic potential. Additionally, the absence of education perpetuates cycles of poverty and destabilizes societal cohesion.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's administration has faced criticism for not adequately addressing the education crisis. Efforts to involve regional governments in finding resources for education have proven insufficient. Advocates are calling for immediate and sustained support from global partners to address the situation and encourage the Ethiopian government to engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve internal conflicts.

The scale of the crisis demands a coordinated humanitarian response, emphasizing the need for international recognition and assistance to help restore education in Ethiopia.