A New Dawn for Education in War-Torn Ethiopia
Published: Nov 21, 2024 Reading time: 3 minutes
Imagine you cannot go to school because war destroyed your classroom. Ethiopia's conflict has left deep scars, creating this problematic reality in the heart of the Central Tigray region. Gendebta and Mayshiho primary schools stood among the most affected. Severely damaged and stripped of essential learning resources, these schools became silent symbols of the widespread impact on education, with structures crumbling and children without access to classrooms. Over 9,000 schools were left devastated, leaving thousands of children without access to education. We provided essential aid to restore vital education access, helping children return to classrooms to build brighter futures.
In the wake of the devastating conflict that gripped Tigray in northern Ethiopia between 2020 and 2022, the region faced immense destruction. The war led to widespread displacement, loss of life, and the destruction of vital infrastructure, including schools. Despite having an education system in ruins, efforts to rebuild are helping bring back opportunities for the children of Tigray. Yet, amid the destruction, a powerful story of resilience and renewal unfolds.
Once filled with dust and debris, the classrooms now brim with possibility. As we provided over 100 desks, chairs, and blackboards, the spaces again invite children to feel valued, ready to learn, and excited to grow.
For Feven and her classmates, these new supplies are more than just learning materials. "After we started school again, we felt a sense of relief, peace, and happiness," she adds.
Our support doesn't stop at equipping classrooms. We have provided over 1,300 educational and recreational items, from notebooks to footballs, fostering academic achievement and joyful play. We gave kits packed with exercise books, geometry sets, and school bags to 200 students, equipping them for success. Recognising the importance of mental and emotional support, teachers and community leaders have also received training to offer educational support and vital psychosocial care.
This project taught teachers how to offer essential psychosocial care, helping students find stability after years of disruption.
Feven and her peers, however, still face additional challenges. "We need a library, and very few books are left to read," Feven notes. "They burned all the books during the conflict, and we don't have laboratory classes anymore, as they used the spaces to house animals and as military camps for the enemy forces during the war," Teacher Berihe Tekile says, explaining that Gendebta Primary School once had computers, printers, and essential teaching resources—nearly all of which were lost.
Their words echo the urgent need for continued support as they look to fill gaps and restore the full spectrum of learning.
Through the ongoing dedication of supporters, Tigray's children and educators are rebuilding their schools and bringing back opportunities. Each desk, each notebook, and each smile represent a step towards reclaiming a once uncertain future. Together, we are helping a generation write a new story of resilience and strength.
Thanks to the Benevolent Fund and Club of Friends, these schools are being brought back to life. With our local partner, Heal Our People (HOP), we are supporting students, teachers, and communities in their efforts to rebuild their future.
