Rafael Mitchell
@rafaelmitchell.bsky.social
Senior Lecturer in Comparative and International Education, University of Bristol | Co-Director of CIRE | BAICE | Schooling in Africa, democratising knowledge in education
Reposted by Rafael Mitchell
For anyone wondering what life was like in Mekelle during the civil war and its aftermath, this open access book contains the personal accounts of 20 civilians - everyday people, mostly from from the lower middle classes
books.openedition.org/cfee/3812
books.openedition.org/cfee/3812
Mekelle Stories: Life in Time of War
On the night of 3 to 4 November 2020, war broke out in Tigray. Soon after Mekelle was bombed, people were stunned: should they leave the city? How to protect their loved ones? Where to get supplies? F...
books.openedition.org
November 22, 2025 at 2:30 PM
For anyone wondering what life was like in Mekelle during the civil war and its aftermath, this open access book contains the personal accounts of 20 civilians - everyday people, mostly from from the lower middle classes
books.openedition.org/cfee/3812
books.openedition.org/cfee/3812
This is an opportunity for school leaders, teachers and teacher educators to contribute to our shared understanding of how the politics of race, ethnicity and nation play out in schools around the world.
November 25, 2025 at 11:40 AM
This is an opportunity for school leaders, teachers and teacher educators to contribute to our shared understanding of how the politics of race, ethnicity and nation play out in schools around the world.
"Confronting the politics of race, ethnicity and nation in schooling: evidence from school practices around the world"
Call for papers!
#EduSky @edusky.bsky.social
www.journals.uchicago.edu/journals/cer...
Call for papers!
#EduSky @edusky.bsky.social
www.journals.uchicago.edu/journals/cer...
Comparative Education Review: Call for papers - Confronting the politics of race, ethnicity and nation in schooling
www.journals.uchicago.edu
November 25, 2025 at 11:40 AM
"Confronting the politics of race, ethnicity and nation in schooling: evidence from school practices around the world"
Call for papers!
#EduSky @edusky.bsky.social
www.journals.uchicago.edu/journals/cer...
Call for papers!
#EduSky @edusky.bsky.social
www.journals.uchicago.edu/journals/cer...
It's an outstanding book, with beautiful, haunting illustrations - a work of humanity, published by an anonymous women's collective
November 22, 2025 at 2:30 PM
It's an outstanding book, with beautiful, haunting illustrations - a work of humanity, published by an anonymous women's collective
For anyone wondering what life was like in Mekelle during the civil war and its aftermath, this open access book contains the personal accounts of 20 civilians - everyday people, mostly from from the lower middle classes
books.openedition.org/cfee/3812
books.openedition.org/cfee/3812
Mekelle Stories: Life in Time of War
On the night of 3 to 4 November 2020, war broke out in Tigray. Soon after Mekelle was bombed, people were stunned: should they leave the city? How to protect their loved ones? Where to get supplies? F...
books.openedition.org
November 22, 2025 at 2:30 PM
For anyone wondering what life was like in Mekelle during the civil war and its aftermath, this open access book contains the personal accounts of 20 civilians - everyday people, mostly from from the lower middle classes
books.openedition.org/cfee/3812
books.openedition.org/cfee/3812
Reposted by Rafael Mitchell
“Today, Tigray is broken. Its leaders are divided. Another war looms, one that could pit Tigrayans against each other. I fought once to defend my people; I will not fight again in a war that will destroy what remains. That is why I left.”
An incredibly sad account.
open.substack.com/pub/continen...
An incredibly sad account.
open.substack.com/pub/continen...
The exodus out of Tigray
Young people are leaving en masse – and don’t know if they’ll ever come back.
open.substack.com
October 25, 2025 at 8:22 AM
“Today, Tigray is broken. Its leaders are divided. Another war looms, one that could pit Tigrayans against each other. I fought once to defend my people; I will not fight again in a war that will destroy what remains. That is why I left.”
An incredibly sad account.
open.substack.com/pub/continen...
An incredibly sad account.
open.substack.com/pub/continen...
Reposted by Rafael Mitchell
Weaponized Starvation: How Ethiopia Created Famine In Tigray
The famine in #Tigray was not an outcome of war. It was the result of deliberate policies—a siege, economic blockade and obstruction of aid by #Ethiopia and its allies—designed to destroy civilian life.
theconversation.com/starvation-a...
The famine in #Tigray was not an outcome of war. It was the result of deliberate policies—a siege, economic blockade and obstruction of aid by #Ethiopia and its allies—designed to destroy civilian life.
theconversation.com/starvation-a...
Starvation as a weapon of war: how Ethiopia created a famine in Tigray
Famine was weaponised as part of a broader campaign of destruction in Ethiopia’s Tigray region.
theconversation.com
November 2, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Weaponized Starvation: How Ethiopia Created Famine In Tigray
The famine in #Tigray was not an outcome of war. It was the result of deliberate policies—a siege, economic blockade and obstruction of aid by #Ethiopia and its allies—designed to destroy civilian life.
theconversation.com/starvation-a...
The famine in #Tigray was not an outcome of war. It was the result of deliberate policies—a siege, economic blockade and obstruction of aid by #Ethiopia and its allies—designed to destroy civilian life.
theconversation.com/starvation-a...
Reposted by Rafael Mitchell
We hear a lot about AI in education in the US on here, so can I just tell you about how it's working out in the schools sector in England? It's interesting! It's about data consultants, private education outfits and think tanks. Slow thread...
October 31, 2025 at 10:44 PM
We hear a lot about AI in education in the US on here, so can I just tell you about how it's working out in the schools sector in England? It's interesting! It's about data consultants, private education outfits and think tanks. Slow thread...
"One that ensured that they left a strong legacy, maybe in the form of an independent non-profit organisation... Instead, as a result of their decision, the countries in which they work will lose aid in the immediate term and possibly face years of uncertainty..."
www.devex.com/news/mott-ma...
www.devex.com/news/mott-ma...
Mott MacDonald shuts international development arm amid UK aid turmoil
The massive U.K. contractor is understood to be winding down its dealings with FCDO.
www.devex.com
October 24, 2025 at 4:30 PM
"One that ensured that they left a strong legacy, maybe in the form of an independent non-profit organisation... Instead, as a result of their decision, the countries in which they work will lose aid in the immediate term and possibly face years of uncertainty..."
www.devex.com/news/mott-ma...
www.devex.com/news/mott-ma...
"Even if they [Mott MacDonald] saw no future business prospects for themselves in international development, they could have honoured their history, their contribution to the field and their staff better by mapping a different exit..."
October 24, 2025 at 4:30 PM
"Even if they [Mott MacDonald] saw no future business prospects for themselves in international development, they could have honoured their history, their contribution to the field and their staff better by mapping a different exit..."
Looks like @mottmacdonald.bsky.social is *closing* Cambridge Education with implications for education in Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan & West Africa
This a few months after MM reported record growth, with global revenue reaching £2.5bn for the first time
This a few months after MM reported record growth, with global revenue reaching £2.5bn for the first time
October 24, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Looks like @mottmacdonald.bsky.social is *closing* Cambridge Education with implications for education in Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan & West Africa
This a few months after MM reported record growth, with global revenue reaching £2.5bn for the first time
This a few months after MM reported record growth, with global revenue reaching £2.5bn for the first time
Reposted by Rafael Mitchell
Famine in Tigray: Hunger and Humiliation worldpeacefoundation.org/publication/...
Famine in Tigray: Hunger and Humiliation - World Peace Foundation
Famine in Tigray was not only about biological deprivation but also about humiliation and dehumanization, including Tigray's middle class.
worldpeacefoundation.org
October 11, 2025 at 4:38 AM
Famine in Tigray: Hunger and Humiliation worldpeacefoundation.org/publication/...
September 23, 2025 at 6:26 PM
"Meta brought AI to rural Colombia. Now students are failing exams"
Interesting piece on how AI is affecting educational experiences and outcomes for rural communities in Latin America
#edusky
restofworld.org/2025/colombi...
Interesting piece on how AI is affecting educational experiences and outcomes for rural communities in Latin America
#edusky
restofworld.org/2025/colombi...
Meta brought AI to rural Colombia. Now students are failing exams
When Meta embedded AI bots in its apps, even students in the most remote corners of Colombia gained access. But rather than boosting learning, it’s getting in the way.
restofworld.org
September 11, 2025 at 12:43 PM
"Meta brought AI to rural Colombia. Now students are failing exams"
Interesting piece on how AI is affecting educational experiences and outcomes for rural communities in Latin America
#edusky
restofworld.org/2025/colombi...
Interesting piece on how AI is affecting educational experiences and outcomes for rural communities in Latin America
#edusky
restofworld.org/2025/colombi...
A new report on internally displaced persons in Tigray. This makes bitter reading - an ongoing, overlooked humanitarian crisis, with many lacking food, water, shelter, health and education provision
This study based on a survey with 4500 IDPs & interviews with 640
www.tig-comm.org/wp-content/u...
This study based on a survey with 4500 IDPs & interviews with 640
www.tig-comm.org/wp-content/u...
www.tig-comm.org
August 28, 2025 at 7:44 AM
A new report on internally displaced persons in Tigray. This makes bitter reading - an ongoing, overlooked humanitarian crisis, with many lacking food, water, shelter, health and education provision
This study based on a survey with 4500 IDPs & interviews with 640
www.tig-comm.org/wp-content/u...
This study based on a survey with 4500 IDPs & interviews with 640
www.tig-comm.org/wp-content/u...
What utter contempt @gwr.com has for cyclists. Two reservable cycle spaces between Cardiff and London. I had a reservation from Bristol Parkway, but the train manager wouldn't let me board - lack of space, he says
@cyclinguk.bsky.social
@cyclinguk.bsky.social
August 18, 2025 at 11:47 AM
What utter contempt @gwr.com has for cyclists. Two reservable cycle spaces between Cardiff and London. I had a reservation from Bristol Parkway, but the train manager wouldn't let me board - lack of space, he says
@cyclinguk.bsky.social
@cyclinguk.bsky.social
Reposted by Rafael Mitchell
How train companies ensure cycling in the UK is impossible for commuters: @crosscountryuk.bsky.social refused a small crowd of cyclists from boarding my train today and unnecessarily removed the bike of a man travelling to work, delaying the service, and wasting the time of police. 1/3
August 12, 2025 at 8:26 AM
How train companies ensure cycling in the UK is impossible for commuters: @crosscountryuk.bsky.social refused a small crowd of cyclists from boarding my train today and unnecessarily removed the bike of a man travelling to work, delaying the service, and wasting the time of police. 1/3
Reposted by Rafael Mitchell
I just got an email informing me that my Annual Review on structural racism with @tyson-brown.bsky.social and @pahoman.bsky.social is open access. So, download away.
Advancing the Scientific Study of Structural Racism: Concepts, Measures, and Methods | Annual Reviews
This review provides 10 actionable recommendations for advancing the scientific study of structural racism through theoretically grounded and empirically robust measures and methods. By offering conce...
www.annualreviews.org
July 31, 2025 at 1:44 AM
I just got an email informing me that my Annual Review on structural racism with @tyson-brown.bsky.social and @pahoman.bsky.social is open access. So, download away.
Reposted by Rafael Mitchell
David Lammy is betting that those complicit in Israel’s genocide will never go to prison.
He bets that Western and Israeli impunity will protect him and the other Guilty Men and Women forever.
It is a bet he may find he’ll lose.
New column 👇
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
He bets that Western and Israeli impunity will protect him and the other Guilty Men and Women forever.
It is a bet he may find he’ll lose.
New column 👇
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
British ministers are betting they won’t face justice for complicity over Gaza. It’s a big risk to take | Owen Jones
David Lammy seemingly believes Israel and its supporters will always be able to act with impunity – but the status quo surely cannot hold, says Guardian columnist Owen Jones
www.theguardian.com
July 23, 2025 at 5:09 PM
David Lammy is betting that those complicit in Israel’s genocide will never go to prison.
He bets that Western and Israeli impunity will protect him and the other Guilty Men and Women forever.
It is a bet he may find he’ll lose.
New column 👇
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
He bets that Western and Israeli impunity will protect him and the other Guilty Men and Women forever.
It is a bet he may find he’ll lose.
New column 👇
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Rafael Mitchell
Harvard Educational Review spent a year preparing a special issue on education in and about Palestine. In June, contributors were notified that the Harvard Education Publishing Group had abruptly canceled the issue's release.
This is censorship and cowardice.
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
This is censorship and cowardice.
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Revealed: Harvard publisher cancels entire journal issue on Palestine shortly before publication
As Harvard’s feud with Trump escalated, so did tensions over an ‘education and Palestine’ issue of a prestigious journal. Scholars blame the ‘Palestine exception’ to academic freedom
www.theguardian.com
July 22, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Harvard Educational Review spent a year preparing a special issue on education in and about Palestine. In June, contributors were notified that the Harvard Education Publishing Group had abruptly canceled the issue's release.
This is censorship and cowardice.
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
This is censorship and cowardice.
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Reposted by Rafael Mitchell
I feel like there's not enough people talking about how EThOS is still offline following the British Library cyber attack in October 2023. This is a hugely valuable resource to British PGRs and ECRs!
January 16, 2025 at 1:49 PM
I feel like there's not enough people talking about how EThOS is still offline following the British Library cyber attack in October 2023. This is a hugely valuable resource to British PGRs and ECRs!
Hi @britishlibrary.bsky.social, please can we have an update on EThOS? The doctoral thesis archive has been down for almost 2 years, and there's no date for restoring this service, as far as I can see? EThOS isn't a nice-to-have luxury, it's an essential service for research
July 18, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Hi @britishlibrary.bsky.social, please can we have an update on EThOS? The doctoral thesis archive has been down for almost 2 years, and there's no date for restoring this service, as far as I can see? EThOS isn't a nice-to-have luxury, it's an essential service for research
Reposted by Rafael Mitchell
At least this is now getting some coverage, but concerning that the police (government) have not issued a clear statement that this was a mistake by the officers concerned. What kind of directions are they getting?
Armed police threatened to arrest Kent protester for holding Palestinian flag
Officers accused Laura Murton who also had a sign saying ‘Free Gaza’ of supporting a proscribed organisation
www.theguardian.com
July 17, 2025 at 6:42 AM
At least this is now getting some coverage, but concerning that the police (government) have not issued a clear statement that this was a mistake by the officers concerned. What kind of directions are they getting?
Reposted by Rafael Mitchell
“I approach this as a lawyer and historian. But I wonder what Israel’s defenders would regard as unacceptable, if this level of violence is not enough. This is not self-defence. It is collective punishment, or revenge, not just on Hamas but on entire population. It is a war crime": Jonathan Sumption
July 16, 2025 at 7:14 AM
“I approach this as a lawyer and historian. But I wonder what Israel’s defenders would regard as unacceptable, if this level of violence is not enough. This is not self-defence. It is collective punishment, or revenge, not just on Hamas but on entire population. It is a war crime": Jonathan Sumption