Providing Access to Education for Rural Students
Project Ethiopia provides Access to Education for rural students. Since 2013, Project Ethiopia has awarded University Transition Awards (UTAs) to 769 top-scoring, needy, and disabled students (422 males and 347 females) who have passed their University Entrance Exams in seven high schools throughout the Dangla woreda. Have you ever wondered about the long-term outcome for these students? What did they do afterwards? Is there really a positive trajectory for these individuals and their families? Dr. Mehariw A. Semeneh and his family, all of whom have been recipients of various forms of support from Project Ethiopia over the years, answer these questions with a resounding YES!
Mehariw was born in Girarghe kebele in the Dangla region. The eldest son of a farming family, he attended a primary school built with the assistance of Project Ethiopia and then continued through grade eight at Riverside, another school built with Project Ethiopia support. In 2016 he completed grade 12 at Dangla Secondary School. Mehariw was an outstanding student and scored 80% on his college entrance exam which qualified him for a UTA award in 2016 and joined Gondar University, located 245 km north of Dangla. “At the UTA award ceremony,” Dr. Mehariw stated, “I was encouraged to study hard and continue my efforts in the university, in order to benefit myself, my family, and my community.”
Earlier this year, Mehariw graduated with a degree in medicine and is now working as the health center coordinator at North Shewa Andodver Health Center, north of the capital, Addis Ababa. Dr. Mehariw continues, “Ever since elementary school I had a vision to be a doctor. I love my Mom and wanted to treat all of our mothers by specializing in obstetrics surgery. Thanks to God and Project Ethiopia, I am achieving my vision.”
But that’s not the end of his story! Inspired by her brother, Dr. Mehariw’s younger sister Ababa also studied hard throughout school and qualified for a UTA during her senior year. Last July, she graduated from Debre Tabor University with a degree in business management and is also on her way to a secure financial future.
Mehariw was eager to explain how Project Ethiopia has had a deep and lasting impact on his entire family. Not only did his parents receive an iron roof home complete with indoor paint, a solar lantern, and a composting toilet with support from Project Ethiopia many years ago, his father Adane is a member of the Girarghe Farmers Association where he received five new sickles and a modern beehive. His father was encouraged to join the Girarghe Savings and Credit Association, where he saved enough money to receive a low interest micro loan from Project Ethiopia. In addition, the family is also a member of the Milk Association where they sell milk, and all of Mehariw’s younger brothers and sisters attend schools built by Project Ethiopia.
The positive trajectory continues into the future!
