More and More Children Are Missing From Classrooms: How Environmental Emergencies and Political Instability Are Impacting Education in Ethiopia: How Environmental Emergencies and Political Instability Are Impacting Education in Ethiopia

Education is a human right, and all children are entitled to quality and inclusive education no matter where they are. However, more than 30 million children and adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa are being denied this right, without underlying reasons being sufficiently investigated. This article goes beyond reporting out-of-school rates by addressing the practical observations of educational practitioners and researchers with hands-on experience. The study is based on a reanalysis of education statistics and data from government reports, a scoping literature review, and semi-structured interviews and a follow-up survey with education experts and educational researchers. The findings show that climate-induced environmental emergencies, armed conflict, and household food insecurity are the most important factors to addressing educational opportunities for all children and adolescents in Ethiopia. Finally, the study puts forward short- and long-term policy suggestions to ensure the educational rights of children and adolescents in Ethiopia and beyond.