English version: Schoolproject Ethiopia

Introduction

In the provinces of West and East Wollega in Ethiopia many children cannot go to school, because their parents lack the means, and that is a pity, because it is education that these children need to stand a chance of a better future. The foundation Stichting Schoolproject Ethiopië endeavours to have these children educated and does so in corporation with local mission-schools in West and East Wollega. The foundation pays for school fees, clothing and daily meals for the children. To facilitate more children attending school the foundation seeks sponsors. Apart from that, once-only donations are obtained through actions of schools, service clubs, churches and contributions by private persons, often in connection with an anniversary or celebration such as a jubilee, a birthday or a wedding anniversary.

The goal of the Schoolproject Ethiopia foundation

The aim of the foundation is to provide primary education for deprived children in Ethiopia, boys as well as girls. We believe in this approach. An educated child has better prospects. As early as in 1948 the right of education was laid down in the Universal Human Rights Declaration. This right has still to be fought and has for that reason been embodied in the Millennium-goals, one of which proclaims that every child, boy or girl, should by 2015 have the opportunity to pass through a complete course of primary education.

The effect of education on children

Education forms the basis of a child’s development and leads to acquiring an occupation which is the basis of an economically independent existence. It is this philosophy that gave birth to the Schoolproject Ethiopia foundation. Not being able to read, write or calculate makes it harder to find employment. One who can read has access to information about work, food and health. Research has shown that educated people are less prone to famine and poverty and live healthier. It is easier to get a paid job and thus break the vicious cycle of illiteracy, unemployment or poverty. Every Dutchman understands this. However, in a country such as Ethiopia, stricken through the ages with massive illiteracy, this is a new angle.
The history of other developing countries, especially those in Asia (India and China) has taught us how fast arrears in socio- economical aspects can be caught up. The mastering of skills such as language, writing, arithmetic and so forth, not only makes people stand a better chance of work, but also lead to a better infra structure (housing, transport, safe water supplies), democratisation of society, women’s rights, improved healthcare, concern for cultural heritage etcetera. These long-range effects commence with access to education.

Activities of the Schoolproject Ethiopia foundation

In 2003 we were asked to help the children of the mission school of Addo (near Dembi Dollo in West Wollega) whose parents were unable to pay the school fees. The school is a catholic mission school with 1000 pupils from a wide neighbourhood. In that year we supported 4 children privately. The next year the number of children was increased to 20, providing them also with a meal at school, next to a set of clothes or uniform, shoes and school materials.
In January 2005 the Stichting Schoolproject Ethiopië was founded. Following the procedure above many groups at various schools were started during our visit in October 2005.
In school year 2010-2011 the foundation is supporting 240 children.
The school project is limited to mission schools only because they can be properly monitored.
The Schoolproject Ethiopia foundation communicates often with her partners en visits (on their own costs) every year the area to evaluate the projects.

Supported schools per school year 2010-2011

Danka: 30 children
Sakko: 20 children
Karro: 30 children
Addo: 40 children
Konchi: 40 children
Nekemte: 20 children
Babiche: 30 children
Komto: 30 children
Total: 240 children

Secondary Education

The foundation decided - after having received extern sponsoring - to support students who want to start secondary education (vocational training or university). In 2009 the first group students started their studies, in the region of Dembi Dollo. In 2011 the same happens in the region of Nekemte.

Our partner organisations in Ethiopia are:

Daughters of Charity: Secundary Education
Franciscan Clarist Congregation, school in Nekemte
Society of the Helpers of Mary: schools in Sakko, Karro en Konchi
NCS Vicarate of Nekemte: schools in Addo, Danka, Babiche en Komto; secondary education