PAST PROJECT

The project aimed to eliminate barriers to quality education for more than 770 children in the Mekdela area by supporting education initiatives in four ABE Centres and addressing the discrepancy that exists between boys and girls by ensuring that girls in the Mekdela area have equal access to education. Furthermore, this project assisted the ABE centres in becoming more self-sufficient through agricultural /income generating activities and capacity training/support.

"The government schools are very far away. It is dangerous for the children to walk such a long journey. Abduction, floods, hyenas and even snakes pose threats to our children. The Centre gives our children the opportunity to learn, close to home."

Member of the Woldia Parent Teacher Association

PROJECT BACKGROUND & DESCRIPTION

According to the United Nations, Ethiopia is one of the world's least-developed nations, ranking 169 out of 177 countries based on quality of life indicators. Its 79 million residents suffer one of the world's highest rates of malnutrition and lowest primary-education enrolment rates.

Nothing empowers a person like an education. Knowledge is power, and education gives people the power to transform their lives. Yet, nearly 39% of primary school-aged children in Ethiopia are not enrolled in school. Girl's enrolled in primary education is even less - an astounding 84% of Ethiopian girls are not enrolled in school.

Over the last 10 years, the Government of Ethiopia has shown a strong commitment to the development of the education sector. However, to date, these efforts have not quelled the country's education crisis, especially in rural areas. The current education system is severely limited. The adult literacy rate is just 42.7%, while the youth literacy rate is 57.4%. Primary school enrollment sits at just 47%, and many of these registered children will not actually attend classes. Sadly, only 55% of grade 1 students will eventually reach grade 5.

In response to these concerns, a model of Alternative Basic Education (ABE) has taken root throughout much of Ethiopia with the establishment of non-formal schools in areas that otherwise have limited (or no) access to education. Nationally, ABE is proving to be a viable way to educate children, particularly girls. IDRF partnered with CFTC and AMDO to ensure access to educational programs for children in the rural area of Mekdela through four local ABE Centres .

Once perceived as being a separate form of education, ABE is now recognized by the government of Ethiopia as a means of reaching its target of 100% enrolment rate by the year 2015. Today, all regions in the country have been issued a directive by the Ministry of Education that recognizes ABE achievements and permits the transfer of children from alternative to formal schools.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

• To provide access to education to more than 770 children each year.
  
• To Eecourage parents to send their children to school regularly.
  
• To engage in income generation activities and agricultural training to create sustainability in the schools and the surrounding community.
• To create a positive, safe and comfortable environment for both students and teachers - encouraging regular attendance of students and retention of quality staff.
  
• To ensure high quality education

Partners: Canadian Feed The Children (CFTC), Aberash's Memorial Development Organization (AMDO)