The post-war economic situation and severe drought in Ethiopia’s Tigray region have forced 60% of students to drop out of school, according to a regional official.
The region is still recovering from the devastating two-year conflict between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and the federal government, which began in November 2020.
Ismail Abdurahman, head of the Regional Education Bureau, said the region is struggling to recover from the aftermath of the conflict, which has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions.
Hostilities subsided following peace agreements signed in South Africa and Kenya in November 2022, but the region is still grappling with the long-term effects of the war.
The conflict has worsened economic and social challenges, preventing students from returning to school.
Many are opting out of education due to economic hardship, with some working to support their families, particularly in areas affected by drought.
Additionally, 106 schools are currently being used as camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs), limiting educational facilities.
Authorities continue to face difficulties in restoring the education system in Tigray, the fifth largest region with a population of nearly 6 million.
Moujib, a high school teacher, highlighted growing frustration among students, who feel disillusioned by an education system they believe cannot address their long-term economic struggles.
Economic pressures are not only affecting students but also teachers, who have gone months without pay. This has made it difficult to properly teach the students who do show up and to encourage more students to enroll.