Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

In March, i'm off to Ethiopia to build a school in Shebedino near Awassa [map]

 

Ethiopia is still one of the world's poorest nations - ranking 157 out of 169. Some 39% of the population lives on less than 80p/day. Those living in poverty continue to be vulnerable to shocks, especially climate-related events such as the current drought.

Free primary education is available in Ethiopia, yet quality and access remain low.  Lack of classrooms leads to very large classes (pupil to teacher ratio is above 60:1) [photo]

 

In rural areas like this, only 75% of children are enrolled in primary school and of those only 23% complete. Drop out rates are particularly high for girls who are pressured to leave school owing to early marriage or to assist with household chores and income generating activities.  

 

The school offers pupils grades one to six, but would like to offer up to grade eight in order to encourage children to stay in school longer. Owing to the long distance from the village to the local secondary school, few children go on to secondary education. Expansion at Remeda would mean that children in the area would gain a higher level and better quality of education.

 

The project aims to achieve the following:

 

• Construct six classroom blocks and rehabilitate six existing classrooms  

• Construct one block of latrines with six cubicles – two for girls, two for boys, one female and one male teacher 

• Supply all classrooms with school furniture  

• Train PTA to manage school's direction and promote child participation in development projects  

• Support a cluster resource centre accessible to over 50 teachers from the local area by supplying computers and books. 

 

I'll be documenting progress throughout in pictures and possibly a short film, so you'll know where your money's gone!

 

If you are interested, here's a breakdown of costs.

 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure - no spam. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.

 

Likes, twitterings and mass-carrier-pigeon mailings are another way you may like to show your support.

 

Endless thanks,

 

James