EDUCATION

Every child has the right to access safe, quality education.

However, In Ethiopia Approximately 2.6 million children of primary school age are not in school, of which 43 percent are boys and 57 percent girls. Only 25 per cent of secondary school aged children are enrolled in secondary school.

Girls, children with disabilities, those from minority groups and children living in poor and remote areas are most often denied access to education. This has far-reaching consequences on their futures and those of their families, communities and the country.

We promote free, equal access to quality education for all children – from early learning to secondary education. We work with children, their families, communities, wider society and governments, and advocate at both local and international levels, so that all children are able to get an education.

When you support alignafrica you are helping to build stronger education systems that will provide education to everyone. You are also giving people who missed out on school the chance to gain the skills and knowledge they want and need.

Everyone deserves an education regardless of age or gender, religion or physical capacity, ethnic group or displacement through conflict. Education is essential if people are to participate in the life of their own communities.

Gender Inequality in Ethiopia

There is a long history of gender inequality in Ethiopia, with poorer women and girls especially facing multiple disadvantages. The status of women and girls is curtailed when looking at empowerment, gender-based violence, and opportunities for employment. Within the home, preference for male children has been found in regards to education and employment opportunities. Girls are often faced with the burden of household chores, which for poor families includes many hours each day collecting water, as well as cooking meals and tending younger children – all hindering their ability to attend and perform successfully in school.

Education Situation for Girls

Ethiopia has made remarkable progress towards girls’ education, increasing net primary enrolment rates from 51 per cent in 2003/04 to 95 per cent in 2016/17. However, only 53 per cent complete primary school, 25 per cent of secondary school-aged girls are attending secondary school, and an estimated 10 per cent go on to enroll in college. Girls face several challenges in attending safe schools with quality education, including:

  • Too often families favor boys when investing in education. Poverty compounds factors that keep girls out of schools, such as early pregnancy, child labor, house work, and cost and distance to school.
  • Girls face harmful social norms. Child marriage rates in the country are some of the highest in the world, impeding girls’ chances of completing school.
  • Some schools do not meet the needs of girls in terms of safety, available WASH facilities, and quality of education.
  • Gender-based violence robs girls of education. Schools have the opportunity to be a safe haven and place to learn about rights against abuse and find help. However, too often cases of school related, gender-based violence occur, including corporal punishment and sexual abuse from peers and authorities.
  • Pastoralist, refugee, displaced and poverty-stricken girls face even greater challenges, where their complex circumstances make educational services even more difficult to provide.

Investing in Girls’ Education

Girls are part of a vibrant new generation in Ethiopia poised to take on their future. Investing in their education allows them to achieve their dreams. It lets them build better lives for themselves and contribute to the health, safety and prosperity of their families and communities. Investing in girls’ education can bring change in a generation, giving girls opportunities to enjoy the benefits of this education.