Sheni Kondala is a large community in the district of Barbare, southern Ethiopia. Only 43% of the 1,400 students in this expanding community are currently enrolled in school and their current drop-out rates are high. 19% of their female students dropped out of school last year.

The poor standard of Sheni Kondala’s current school is hindering academic performance and retention.

Many of the students at Sheni Kondala learn under the shade of a tree, and the classroom structures that do exist are harsh, made from locally sourced materials such as sticks, mud and corrugated iron sheets. Students are constantly distracted by the sound of rain bouncing off the iron roof, draining out the words of their teachers.

Ibrahim Mama, the School Principal, has already demonstrated great leadership and a commitment to the school and the educational future of their students. “I imagine a day when Sheni Kondala becomes a model school in the district,” says Ibrahim.

The community has responded to his leadership, committing more than $12,000 towards the construction of a new school, and presenting an awareness and passion for community-led change.

This year, we plan to build a new school for Sheni Kondala. With your support we will construct new classrooms, an early childhood education centre, library and latrines.

Meymuna, from Sheni Kondala

12-year-old Meymuna hates it when the rains floods her classroom, but she is grateful the school exists at all.

“Had this school been not here, I would have to travel to Meti, which is one-and-a-half hours away from here. Especially as a girl, the journey of about three hours every day could have made it difficult for me to stay in, or even go to, school,” she says.

“This school is close to where I live, and it means I can get an education. I don’t want to be a farmer. I want to study up to college and become a language teacher.”

Read more of Meymuna’s Story >