Over the last three years, imagine1day has partnered with the Costa Foundation to carry on the critical work of granting access to education for out-of-school children across Ethiopia. Since 2017, they have constructed a total of nine schools together.
Here is our project update on the three latest critical school openings. In the Oromia region, two primary schools, Bekkaye and Buluk, and one secondary school, Choche were built from the ground up with the help of community stakeholders and staff – a huge feat despite facing several challenges in a COVID-19 restricted environment. The inauguration ceremonies held on January 31 and February 9 respectively, were well attended by impacted families, students, community leaders, imagine1day staff and leadership, and local government officials.
Choche secondary school was originally constructed by the Costa Foundation in 2014, and this newest expansion project saw the construction of grade 11 and 12 facilities. The project included the construction of eight classrooms, three laboratories, a new water point, and gender segregated latrines.
The school inauguration on January 31, 2021 paved the way for over 700 new students to access education for the very first time.
Over 1900 students got access to education with the recent construction of Bekkaye and Buluk primary schools, all thanks to the generous contributions by the Costa Foundation, Run for Water and Riyaz Devji. Similar to the construction of Choche Secondary School, both Primary schools saw the addition of eight new classrooms in two blocks, including gender segregated latrines and a brand new library full of books which can be accessed by all students at the schools.
Buluk Primary School was also the recipient of three new water points, which included a 5.6km pipeline extension, reservoir and a spring development. The inauguration ceremony on February 9 saw participation by a variety of government officials, community supporters and imagine1day staff. Anytime a new school is inaugurated, it is a showcase of pride and excitement for the entire community.