The Amhara Association in America (AAA) recently convened a panel discussion to address the alarming findings of their latest report, Education Under Siege: The State of Education in the Ongoing Amhara War. The event brought together educators, human rights advocates, and members of the Amhara diaspora to shed light on the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, particularly on the education system.
The report reveals a harrowing reality: over 3.5 million children in the Amhara region are out of school due to the war, with more than 5,000 schools rendered non-operational and over 1,000 schools either damaged or repurposed for military use. The AAA emphasized that the Prosperity Party’s actions have exacerbated the crisis, leaving students without access to safe and functional learning environments. The panelists discussed how the war has not only destroyed schools but also jeopardized the future of an entire generation.
One of the key speakers, an educator with decades of experience, highlighted the long-term consequences of this educational disruption. “The war has caused damages to the education system that will continue to be felt for the next 20 to 30 years,” they stated. The panel also featured testimonies from individuals who have witnessed the impact of the conflict firsthand, painting a vivid picture of the challenges faced by students and teachers alike.
The AAA called for immediate international intervention to address the crisis. They urged global organizations and governments to support efforts to rebuild schools, provide educational resources, and hold accountable those responsible for the ongoing conflict. The panelists also stressed the importance of documenting these atrocities to ensure that the voices of affected students are heard and that justice is served.
The event concluded with a powerful call to action, urging the global community to stand in solidarity with the people of Amhara. The AAA’s efforts to bring attention to this issue are a crucial step toward ensuring that the children of Amhara have a chance at a brighter future, despite the challenges they face.
This panel discussion serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the urgent need for collective action to protect the rights and futures of vulnerable populations. The AAA’s work underscores the importance of advocacy and awareness in the fight for justice and equality.
