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A Review
“A Rapid Needs Assessment on Tigray Youth” a recent study conducted in collaboration with the
Tigray Youth Association reveals the existing status, needs, challenges, and aspirations of the
regional youth in postwar Tigray. The study provides valuable insights into the current conditions,
needs, challenges, and aspirations of the youth in Tigray. The assessment employed various data
collection methods, including semi-structured survey questionnaires, focus group discussions
(FGDs), and key informant interviews. The findings reveal that certain groups of youth in Tigray,
such as females, rural males, youth with disabilities, injured veteran youth, and student youth, are
particularly vulnerable due to the detrimental impacts of gender-based violence, physical assault,
wartime injuries, and post-war economic hardships. These challenges have not only affected their
present circumstances but also hindered their future ambitions and aspirations.
Youth unemployment emerged as a significant concern, with 81% of the surveyed youth being
unemployed. The economic collapse, asset plunder during the war, and the absence of a
functioning government were identified as contributing factors. Moreover, a majority of the youth
expressed a lack of political goals or aspirations (66%), attributed to restrictions imposed by
authorities on youth engagement in civic activities. To address these challenges and support the
aspirations of Tigray's youth, the report proposes a recovery roadmap that emphasizes integrated
interventions. The roadmap includes provisions for mental health and trauma support, accessible
healthcare services, socio-economic assistance, educational opportunities, skill development
programs, and advocacy for youth rights and policy reforms. The findings of this rapid needs
assessment underscore the importance of collaborative efforts involving various stakeholders,
including the community, government, beneficiaries, funders, project implementers, civil society
organizations (CSOs), and international governmental organizations (IGOs). By implementing the
recovery roadmap, it is hoped that Tigray's youth can overcome their challenges, rebuild their lives,
and contribute to the sustainable development of their region.
By: Assefa Leake Gebru (PhD), Mekelle University, Department of Political Science, can be
contacted at: visitassie@yahoo.com, and +251972102242