SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia has celebrated a decade of transformative change through its flagship Educare project, marking the occasion with a vibrant anniversary event in Gondar under the theme: “A Decade of Hope and Impact: Transforming Lives Through Education and Empowerment.”
Launched in 2014 in Bahir Dar with the support of the Helmsley Charitable Trust, the Educare project has since expanded across the Amhara region, including Debre Tabor, Debre Markos, Woldia, and Gondar, reaching nearly 123,000 community members through a holistic approach to education, family support, and community resilience.
The celebration began with site visits and reflections at Felege Abiyot Primary School, one of the project's key beneficiary schools, as well as the newly constructed Income-Generating Activity (IGA) site. Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Meseret Gizachew, Programme Location Director at SOS Children’s Village Bahir Dar, Mr. Maheder Getahun, National Construction Coordinator, and Mr. Jejaw, Principal of Felege Abiyot School.
They highlighted the far-reaching impact of the project’s interventions, particularly the renovation of 22 schools, which helped improve the learning environment for thousands of students. In addition, the construction of four new school blocks (16 classrooms), six more classrooms with bathroom facilities, two income-generating buildings, and a two-story support building for vulnerable students, all now fully operational was recognized as a major milestone. These infrastructure developments have significantly improved education outcomes, reducing student repetition rates from 5% to 1% and raising the pass rate to 93%.
The inauguration of the IGA facilities was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a welcome address from Mr. Meseret Gizachew, who expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, particularly the Helmsley Charitable Trust and various partners for their critical role in achieving the project’s goals.
Special recognition was given to Mr. Sahlemariam Abebe, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia, for his instrumental role in initiating and expanding the Educare project. Mr. Meseret Gizachew’s remarks also emphasized the long-term educational and economic impacts, caregiver empowerment, and the importance of partnerships with over 64 organizations that contributed to the project’s sustainability.
Ebisa Jaleta, Deputy National Director of SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia, reinforced the project’s core belief that every child deserves a safe, nurturing environment to thrive and become a contributing citizen, with education being a fundamental right. He underscored that the statistics represent real lives changed. Children staying in school, caregivers becoming self-reliant, and communities growing stronger. He closed by thanking all who played a role in bringing the project to life.
Video messages from Lindsay Harrington, Associate Director of Programs and Partnerships at SOS Children’s Villages USA, and Melissa Crutchfield, Program Director for Vulnerable Children in Sub-Saharan Africa at the Helmsley Charitable Trust, conveyed their heartfelt congratulations on the project’s success.
Mrs. Debre Yehuala, Deputy Mayor of Gondar, praised the project’s outcomes for its significant contributions to both the education sector and local economic empowerment.
The event also included a detailed impact presentation by Mr. Bekalu Biwota, supported by a short documentary film showcasing project milestones. Heartfelt testimonials from participating families moved the audience, offering personal insight into the positive changes brought by the project.
The day concluded with a partner recognition ceremony, certification handover, and the official transfer of IGA facilities, followed by closing remarks from Mr. Semagne Birhan, representative of the Bureau of Finance.
This milestone not only celebrates the work of SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia but also honors the collective commitment of government agencies, partner organizations, and community members. As the organization looks ahead, it calls on supporters and stakeholders to continue investing in proven, impactful, and sustainable models for educational transformation.