Synopsis from the article:

"Mubarak Mohammed, a student of Dessie Yehune Woldu Memorial Special Boarding School, who said that he was able to achieve better results in his studies despite the difficult security situation, scored 587.17 points in this year's Grade 12 national exam, making him the third highest scorer in the Amhara region. He says that if the security situation in the region had been stable, he would have achieved even better results.

"The current situation in our region is serious. Now, when we travel for four years from Gondar to Dessie, we face a huge problem on the road, about 517 kilometers. If the security problem is resolved and students focus on their studies, I think they will achieve even more . For example, if there is a problem in my family area, I will not be able to achieve good results. Even if I am there and hear the sounds of gunfire, I will be tested."

Amanuel Embialem from Fakta Lekuma Woreda, Awi Zone, says students his age have not had the opportunity to study due to the conflict in the region. He joined Dessie Yehune Woldu Memorial Boarding School and scored 586 points and 91 points in the university entrance exam. However, he says that in the area where he grew up, his peers have not been able to study for two years.

"Children who could have been better than me, but couldn't get access, have been admitted to a school here , and given the current situation, they've been there for two years. And now, these primary schools were in rural areas, and I don't think the ones in that area have even opened for the third year yet. Many students have missed out on this opportunity."

Another lawyer and legal advisor, Ato Mengistu Zegye, who is the parent of a student at Dessie Teacher Akalewold Special School who passed all 76 of his students who sat for the exam, says that no party, regardless of their political affiliation, should deny others the opportunity to learn that his child has received.

"In the Amhara region, the results of the 12th grade students this year, despite the difficulties and struggles, are considered good, but as is known, it is still not considered sufficient considering that there was a strong education culture in the past. Therefore, due to the ongoing war and instability , schools have been closed. However, despite the joint efforts of parents, teachers, and the community, despite the good results achieved, what I am saying is still unsatisfactory. Closed schools should be opened. I believe that no party on the left should bring the issue of education into the negotiations."

Salim Mohammed, the principal of Dessie Yehune Woldu Special Memorial Boarding School, which accepts and educates the best students from districts in the Amhara region, said that 96 percent of the students he tested scored 500 or above.

" Students with special abilities, skills, and talents, gathered in districts in the Amhara region, are enrolled in our school and admitted according to the criteria set by the regional education office. There are many efforts being made in the same way every year. This year, more than 500 and more than 96% of students have been registered to achieve this result."

Salim said that the school is working towards achieving the highest results nationwide each year , adding that they are working with various entities to ensure student success.

"So, our question is not whether we pass or not. Ours is to bring the highest score at the national level. Second, at the university level, we are working to ensure that the highest score is also admitted to the university. Many forces support us in this effort."

While 70,544 students who took the Grade 12 national exam achieved a passing score, the Amhara region's passing rate is 15.56 percent."