In the Tigray region of Ethiopia, the convergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and conflict at the end of 2020 resulted in a significant disruption to education. Approximately 2.4 million school-aged children were denied the right to education for 3 academic years, with 88% of school infrastructures damaged. Child protection risks escalated, exposing children to various harms and trauma.
Following the peace talks, schools in Tigray reopened in May 2023. However, challenges such as poor school conditions, increased number of students with special needs, and reduced parental capacity to support their children’s education continue to pose barriers for children to access education.
