The education crisis in Ethiopia is strikingly grim, with over 9 million children unable to attend school, a staggering figure revealed by UNICEF, a respected global advocate for children’s welfare.
ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) — UNICEF has taken the spotlight by disclosing that throughout Ethiopia, a disturbing number of over 9 million children find themselves out of the educational fold. This alarming development is attributed to both human-induced conflicts and Mother Nature’s unpredictable actions.
A recent report from UNICEF, unveiled late Thursday, shines a light on the schools across Ethiopia impacted by devastating climate events and lingering conflicts. An unsettling number of more than 6,000 educational institutions have halted operations due to these upheavals.
The report goes on, painting a troubling picture: around 10,000 schools have borne the brunt of conflicts and climatic disturbances, accounting for about 18% of the country’s educational facilities. This damage significantly curtails the safe and operational environments needed for children to learn.
Focusing on specific conflict zones, like the Amhara and Oromia regions, UNICEF depicts a devastated education sector. Over 9 million young minds remain idle, kept away from classrooms they desperately need, their educational pursuits interrupted by conflicts, calamities, and forced migrations.
Authorities in Ethiopia frequently point fingers at “extremist groups,” accusing them of hindering essential services such as education and developmental projects, particularly in areas where armed factions are active.
In the town of Dukem, within the Oromia region, Chinese enterprises stepped up, distributing aid to locals on September 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde) As this generosity unfolds, a dire warning comes from UNICEF: the organization’s efforts to provide humanitarian relief are being stymied by insufficient funding, further taxing a nation grappling with escalating humanitarian demands.
“UNICEF, with unwavering resolve, calls for ongoing support to ensure that children and their families receive life-preserving assistance into 2024 and beyond,” the organization stated, emphasizing the urgent need for continued global solidarity.
In essence, Ethiopia finds itself at a critical juncture, as unrest and environmental challenges converge to threaten the educational future of its young population. The call to action is clear: collaborative efforts are needed to restore stability and create a pathway for children to thrive in education once again. ■
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
