Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Addis Standard2
Published on 2024-03-01 09:19:28
The Tigray Education Bureau in Ethiopia has issued a distressing warning, highlighting the plight of over a quarter of a million students who are facing the threat of starvation due to the prevailing drought crisis. These students are at risk of discontinuing their education as a result of the dire circumstances they are facing.
Expressing deep concern over the lack of assistance, the bureau has urgently reached out to both local and international partners, appealing for immediate intervention to address the situation. In a statement provided to Addis Standard, the bureau emphasized the critical need for support in the face of this alarming crisis.
This call for help comes as the African Day of School Feeding is being commemorated, an annual event led by the African Union. This platform allows African nations to reaffirm their commitment to implementing homegrown school feeding programs, which are crucial for human capital development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The 9th Africa Day of School Feeding, observed from February 29 to March 1, 2024, highlighted the importance of investing in these programs to support students in need. The Tigray Education Bureau stresses the vital link between school feeding and student survival, especially in the face of challenges such as the aftermath of conflict, drought, unpredictable weather patterns, and pest infestation.
An assessment conducted between November and December 2023 revealed that 36 districts and 213 villages in Tigray had been severely affected by drought, impacting 625 schools and nearly 223,000 students. Out of an expected enrollment of over 2.4 million students, 60% have been unable to continue their education due to various factors such as hunger, internal displacement, and migration.
In response to this crisis, district authorities like Yechilla Abergele in Tigray, in collaboration with NGOs and volunteers, have initiated school feeding programs in five elementary schools. This initiative has successfully reintegrated 650 students back into the education system. However, there are concerns about the sustainability of these programs, as their discontinuation could result in a significant number of students dropping out of school.
The Tigray Education Bureau expresses appreciation for the support received from organizations like Mary’s Meals International, the World Food Program, Plan International, and others for their assistance in the school feeding programs. The collective efforts of these partners are crucial in ensuring that vulnerable students receive the necessary support during these challenging times.
As the bureau continues its efforts to secure aid for at-risk students, the call for collaboration and assistance remains paramount in addressing the education crisis exacerbated by the ongoing drought in Tigray. The urgency of the situation necessitates immediate action to prevent a generation of students from being deprived of their education and potential due to hunger and hardship.
Read the original article on Addis Standard
