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To learn under fire

As the border conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia grinds on into its second year, the commitment to children's education remains unshaken.

"For the first time in the history of Tigray, we are trying to provide universal access to education," says Dr. Solomon Inquai, adviser to the Regional President for Social Affairs. "We see it as a source of pride that parents continue to think of education as a priority."

This is despite the fact that in the eastern, central and western zones of Tigray, 34 schools, more than half of the 58 in the region, have been destroyed or need repairs, and approximately 16,000 schoolchildren have been displaced. Supported by UNICEF, educators and officials have used an array of creative approaches to keep children learning and classrooms functioning - in shelters, under trees and, like the one in Fatsi, in caves.

To accommodate displaced children in schools in those areas not affected by the war, extra classes on weekdays and weekends are added. Some schools offer a morning and afternoon shift to make it easier for children who must work part-time for their families to attend.

In Fatsi, young Hadgu, a second grader, attends classes on an alternating schedule of mornings and afternoons with his 16-year-old sister so that each can help on the family farm. "I do my homework in the pastures while I'm tending the cattle. Some people have been hurt by the shelling, but no schoolchildren. Still, I'm scared whenever I hear it," Hadgu says.

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