Ethiopia: Education Crisis Deepens as Over 4.5 Million Students Remain Out of School in Amhara

Despite efforts to extend student registration in response to security concerns, the Amhara Regional Education Bureau has reported that more than 4.5 million students are still unable to attend school. Over 3,600 schools remain closed across the war-affected region.

This marks a troubling increase from October 2023, when around 3.9 million students were reported out of school. Demis Endris, Deputy Head of the Education Bureau, warned that if the crisis persists, it could have lasting consequences: “If this continues, the Amhara region will lack a future generation of graduates to contribute to the world.”

Education Under Fire

Amid the ongoing conflict between government forces and Fano militias, schools have become battlegrounds. Reports indicate that teachers and school administrators have been targeted for simply fulfilling their professional duties.

In a deeply troubling incident last week, 11 teachers were killed in Merawi town, North Gojjam Zone. Witnesses say militants interrogated them with the chilling question, “Why are you teaching?” before taking their lives. A similar attack in February saw 13 teachers abducted from Kore Elementary School, with ransom demands of 50,000 birr per captive.

Demis has urged local and international communities to condemn these acts of violence, emphasizing that educators are “second parents” guiding the next generation. “Teachers are working tirelessly to bring knowledge to students, yet they face grave threats. This must stop,” he stressed.

With education in Amhara under siege, millions of children risk losing their right to learn, while teachers continue to pay the ultimate price for their dedication. The situation demands urgent intervention to restore security and safeguard the future of Amhara’s students.