Empower Education in Rural Ethiopia

Real Hope, Real Change , Thanks to You

Dear friends,

Warm greetings from rural Ethiopia!

Over the past three months, your kindness has continued to open doors for children who, just a short time ago, faced real barriers to education. Thanks to your support, our team has been able to reach more schools, more students, and more families with hope and practical help.

In April and May, we provided school kits to 350 children, filled with exercise books, pencils, and solar-powered reading lights. For many of these students, this was their first time owning learning materials of their own. Their smiles told us everything.

One moment that deeply moved our team was meeting Tsehay, a bright 12-year-old girl who dreams of becoming a doctor. When we gave her a notebook and a storybook in her native language, she hugged it like a treasure. With a gentle voice, she said, “Now I can study at home too.” This is what your generosity makes possible—not just supplies, but self-belief.

We also trained 10 community-based volunteer teachers in child-friendly teaching methods and helped host two learning camps focused on supporting girls in science and mathematics. These safe spaces allowed girls to build confidence, ask questions, and feel supported by women role models from local universities.

As we prepare for the next phase, we’re getting ready to renovate two rundown classrooms before the rainy season begins. Our goal is to make these spaces safe and welcoming so that children stay in school and thrive.

None of this would be possible without you. Thank you for believing in the potential of every child, no matter where they live. You are part of something real and your impact is growing, one story, one child at a time.

With heartfelt thanks,

Project Report for Empower Education in Rural Ethiopia
Project ID: 67339
Reporting Period: March 7, 2025

Project Overview:

The Empower Education in Rural Ethiopia project, formerly known as Tiruzer Ethiopia for Africa and now under the name alignAfrica, is focused on addressing the critical shortage of educational infrastructure in rural Ethiopia. The primary objective is to construct 40 permanent classrooms and a perimeter fence at Makod Primary School. This project aims to alleviate overcrowding, improve safety, and create a conducive learning environment for approximately 2,000 students and 150 adults. The ultimate goal is to enhance educational outcomes by reducing congestion, providing better facilities, and fostering a safer and more effective school environment.

Key Achievements:

1. Design Finalization for Classrooms and Fence:
   We have successfully finalized the architectural designs for 40 classrooms and the perimeter fence. These designs ensure that the classrooms will be spacious, safe, and equipped to meet the needs of both students and teachers. The fence will secure the school compound, ensuring the safety of students and protecting educational resources.

2. Land Preparation:
   The land for construction has been cleared, leveled, and all necessary groundwork has been completed. This preparatory work ensures that the site is ready for the next steps in construction, providing a smooth transition into the building phase.

3. Estimated Costs:
   The total cost incurred for design finalization and land preparation is $5,000. These funds were allocated for architectural services, land preparation materials, and professional fees related to the groundwork.

4. Fundraising Progress:
   Significant progress has been made toward the project goal of $405,000. At this stage, $404,980 remains to be raised. The project has already received support from one donor, reflecting early engagement and enthusiasm from the community.

5. Community Engagement:
   Ongoing consultations with local leaders, educators, and parents in the Makod area have been essential to ensuring that the designs reflect the needs and aspirations of the local community. Their involvement has been instrumental in shaping the project’s direction.

Challenges:

While progress has been made, several challenges remain:

1. Fundraising:
   A substantial portion of the necessary funds is still pending. We are actively working to broaden our donor base and reach new fundraising milestones to meet the remaining funding requirements.

2. Logistical Delays:
   The remote location of the school, combined with the challenging geographical conditions, may lead to delays in transporting materials and supplies. These logistical issues need to be addressed as we move forward with construction.

3. Weather Conditions:
   The local climate, especially the rainy season, can impact construction schedules. Weather-related delays may affect the timely progress of the building phase.

Planned Activities for the Next Quarter:

1. Initiation of Construction:
   Once sufficient funding is secured, we will proceed with the construction phase. The first step will involve laying the foundations for the 40 classrooms.

2. Community Workshops and Awareness:
   We will continue holding workshops with parents, teachers, and local leaders to keep the community informed about the project’s progress and encourage further involvement.

3. Ongoing Fundraising Efforts:
   Our team will continue engaging in outreach activities, donor engagement, and participating in GlobalGiving’s matching campaigns to accelerate fundraising efforts.

Impact of the Project:Short-Term Impact:

In the short term, the project will provide a safer and less congested environment for both students and teachers, significantly reducing the risk of accidents. The enhanced infrastructure will improve the overall learning experience and provide dedicated space for adult education, benefiting the broader community by offering new educational opportunities.

Long-Term Impact:

In the long term, the project will transform the educational experience of over 2,000 students and 150 adults, providing them with a secure and supportive environment to learn.

• The permanent classrooms and secure perimeter fence will ensure the sustainability of Makod Primary School, enabling it to serve future generations of students.
• The upgraded educational facilities will empower the local community, helping students complete their education and contribute positively to the local economy, while also offering adults opportunities to enhance their skills and qualifications.

Budget and Financials:

The total expenditure to date is $5,000, covering the costs for design finalization and land preparation. As we continue working toward the overall project goal of $405,000, the following is a breakdown of the current expenses:

Expense CategoryAmount (USD)Design Finalization for Classrooms & Fence$3,000Land Preparation (Clearing & Leveling)$2,000Total Expenditure$5,000

We anticipate additional expenses for the construction of the classrooms and the installation of the fence, which will be covered once the necessary funding is secured.

Conclusion and Next Steps:

We are encouraged by the progress made so far and remain committed to the successful completion of the Empower Education in Rural Ethiopia project. However, securing additional funding is essential to move forward with the construction phase. In the coming months, we will focus on:

1. Securing the remaining funds to fully support construction.
2. Initiating the construction phase as soon as sufficient funds are available.
3. Providing regular updates to donors, the community, and all stakeholders to ensure transparency and continued support.

Thank you for your ongoing support of this important project. Together, we can provide lasting educational benefits to the children and adults of Makod, Ethiopia, creating a positive impact for generations to come.