Ambassador Media | May 26, 2025
A wave of frustration and desperation is rising among public school teachers across Addis Ababa and the Oromia region as the Ethiopian government continues to neglect the worsening conditions of its educators. Recent images of school-provided meals — small, sparse, and poorly prepared — have gone viral, sparking outrage. But according to sources within the education system, this is not about food. It’s about survival.
Teachers are raising their voices not over what’s on the plate, but over what their lives have become: underpaid, overworked, and overlooked. Their complaints reveal a national crisis in education, one that is being ignored by the Ethiopian government.
Not Just a Meal — A Message
Sources from various schools report:
Salaries that do not cover basic living costs, especially in urban areas like Addis Ababa.
Severely overcrowded classrooms, often exceeding 60 students per teacher.
A total lack of resources — from textbooks to chalk.
No housing, transport, or mental health support.
Delayed or inconsistent salary payments, especially in rural areas.
In the words of one teacher:
“This isn’t about complaining for a better lunch. It’s about working under inhumane conditions with no sign of change. We are treated as if we don’t matter.”
Government Silence and Inaction
Despite ongoing struggles reported across regions, the Ethiopian government has remained silent. No public statement has been made in response to the viral images or the broader outcry from teachers.
There have been no initiatives, reforms, or emergency measures announced to address the worsening conditions for educators — a silence that sources interpret as indifference.
Education sector insiders describe a government that is quick to talk about national development but slow to protect those laying its foundation.
The Impact: A Nation at Risk
As morale drops and workloads increase, experienced teachers are leaving the profession in growing numbers. New graduates are unwilling to enter a system known for exploitation and neglect.
Education experts warn this trend could lead to:
A massive teacher shortage in coming years.
Declining quality of education across all regions.
Long-term harm to the country’s human development goals.
Ambassador Media’s Position
Ambassador Media strongly condemns the Ethiopian government’s continued failure to address the most basic rights of its teachers. A country that ignores its educators is a country that endangers its own future.
We stand with teachers in calling for immediate and sustained action, including:
- A national review of teacher pay and working conditions.
- Investment in school infrastructure and educational materials.
- Access to housing, healthcare, and job security for educators.
- A public commitment to teacher dignity and wellbeing.
This is no longer a policy issue — it is a moral one.
