What's Happening?
The two-year war in Ethiopia's Tigray region has severely damaged essential social services, including education. UNICEF estimates that over 2.8 million children missed education in Tigray, Afar, and Amhara in 2021. The war deprived children of education, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools were used as military bases, violating national and international laws. The conflict has reversed years of progress in education, with widespread destruction of school infrastructure and resources.
Did You Know
In Bhutan, they measure their country's success by Gross National Happiness, not GDP.
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Why It's Important?
The impact on education in Tigray has long-term implications for the region's future generations. The disruption of education services highlights the broader challenges of post-conflict recovery and the need for international support to rebuild infrastructure and restore services. The use of schools for military purposes underscores the need for adherence to international laws and protection of educational facilities.
What's Next?
Efforts to rebuild and restore education services in Tigray are critical to the region's recovery. The international community, including UNICEF, is working to facilitate the return of students to school and provide informal education services. The Ethiopian government must prioritize rebuilding school infrastructure and ensure safe access to education.
Beyond the Headlines
The situation in Tigray highlights the broader challenges of post-conflict recovery and the importance of addressing systemic issues like corruption and governance. The reliance on foreign aid underscores the need for sustainable development and self-sufficiency in the region.