#Education Cannot Wait #Emergency Education #Ethiopia #Nicolai Wammen #Tigray

Major Call for Educational Funding in Ethiopia

In a recent high-level mission spearheaded by Education Cannot Wait (ECW), urgent calls were made for innovative funding solutions to address the educational needs of millions of children in Ethiopia. As the crisis deepens, the stakes have never been higher for nearly 9 million children who have been deprived of education due to ongoing violence, climate change-related disasters, and widespread displacement.

The Current Situation

As Ethiopia grapples with escalating challenges, the number of out-of-school children has tripled since 2022. Approximately 18% of schools in the country have been either damaged or destroyed, severely limiting access to education. The nation is host to the third-largest refugee population in Africa, with over 200,000 new arrivals from Sudan and Somalia in the past two years. These factors compound the already strained resources dedicated to education.

The mission, which included visits to the Tigray region—still recovering from a lengthy conflict—allowed delegates to witness firsthand the impact of ECW-funded programs. The team engaged with students, parents, and teachers, assessing the effectiveness of initiatives supported by various organizations, including UNICEF, Save the Children, and Norwegian Refugee Council.

Groundbreaking Investments

During the mission, a new ECW First Emergency Response grant of $5 million was announced, bringing ECW’s total investment in Ethiopia to an impressive $93 million. This fund aims to address urgent educational needs in conflict-torn regions such as Oromia and Afar, where recent tensions have further disrupted educational services. These initiatives will be implemented by UNICEF, along with local organization Imagine1Day.

Yasmine Sherif, Executive Director of ECW, described the education crisis in Ethiopia as one of the world’s most severe yet overlooked challenges. According to her, the enthusiasm for learning among children was palpable, underscoring the importance of investment in education to foster resilience and growth.

A Call to Action

Danish Finance Minister Nicolai Wammen, who serves as a Global Champion for ECW, emphasized the need for the private sector to step up and collaborate in developing innovative financing strategies. He stated, "The impact of quality education in crisis situations is transformative. We must act swiftly to close the funding gap of $64 million that persists in the humanitarian response plan for 2024."

The mission found that ECW has so far reached over 550,000 children and youth with a comprehensive array of supportive services.

Dr. Aboubacar Kampo from UNICEF highlighted the organization's gratitude for ECW's continued support, stressing that every child deserves a safe space to learn and play.

Similarly, Dr. Seid Aman from Imagine1Day expressed appreciation for ECW’s funding, stating that it will facilitate access to education for over 13,000 children in Afar, most of whom are girls or children with disabilities. He reaffirmed that adequate funding is essential for addressing the education gaps created by ongoing crises.

Looking Ahead

As Ethiopia embarks on recovery from these tumultuous events, the collaborative efforts of ECW, local organizations, and international partners are pivotal to ensuring that children receive the education they deserve. The call for bold financing solutions is not just a matter of urgency; it's a commitment to future generations, enabling them to learn, heal, and hope for a better tomorrow. The next steps involve not just immediate relief funding but also sustainable, long-term investment in the educational framework of the nation. Only then can Ethiopia hope to eradicate the barriers to education that have hindered countless lives.

Evidently, the investment in education is a powerful testament to the resilience of the youth in Ethiopia and a fundamental element in the nation’s journey toward peace and prosperity.