Ethiopia is facing a severe education crisis with more than nine million children unable to attend school due to ongoing conflicts, natural disasters and economic struggles. Despite having a school-aged population of over 35 million in 2023 only 22.9 million were enrolled, leaving more than 35% of children without access to education.
The crisis has worsened due to conflicts across several regions, including Amhara, Oromia, and Tigray. The war in Tigray which began in 2020 led to the destruction of schools and drained national resources forcing over a million children out of classrooms. Continued violence and clashes among different communities have further disrupted education.
Natural disasters such as recent earthquakes have also displaced thousands of families making it even harder for children to continue their studies. Reports indicate that around 10,000 schools have been damaged and 6,000 have shut down due to violence and disasters.
Experts warn that keeping children out of school has devastating long-term consequences. Many may fall into child labor, early marriage, and other forms of exploitation. Lack of education limits their future job opportunities and pushes families deeper into poverty. On a national level, it weakens the economy, slows development, and fuels further instability.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government has been criticized for not addressing the crisis directly. Instead, regional governments and advocacy groups have been left to seek support. With education funding dependent on regional budgets, many areas lack the resources to rebuild schools and bring children back to the classroom.
Experts urge the Ethiopian government to take immediate action by addressing conflicts, securing international aid, and ensuring education remains a priority. Global organizations are also being called upon to support Ethiopia’s education sector before the crisis deepens further.