Roots Ethiopia

Learning resource projects provide resources and support for improving the quality of under-resourced rural schools so they can raise the quality of educational opportunities for the community. Resources include: materials and equipment for the classrooms, labs and libraries; sports and leadership program resources; continuing education and skill development for teaching professionals, and repair of substandard school facilities. During 2022, Roots Ethiopia funded support and/or projects for 28 rural schools serving approximately 40,000 students and their communities. In addition, 15 pre-primary classrooms received teaching materials and classroom furniture. Roots Ethiopia also provided professional development for 130 school staff; improved school latrines; science labs; initiated 5 new youth sports leadership development programs; improved school libraries; began a new project to develop a center for children with disabilities.

Self-help entrepreneurial groups (aka she, formerly income generating activities + self-help savings groups) create opportunities for households to develop and maintain sustainable small business and savings programs so families can build a better future for themselves. Between jan 1, 2022 and december 31, 2022, 56 she groups were actively engaging in business throughout the Roots Ethiopia work area. 56 she groups means a total of 1,120 women engaged in small market business. There were 2 trainings for she women. In addition, 8 community facilitators were trained to supervise and support she teams.

School sponsorships provide the resources for students to afford access to and excel in quality educational opportunities. Between january 1, 2022 and december 31, 2022, Roots Ethiopia funded more than 250 school sponsorship program participants. With support, student performance improved. For example, 4 ss students are attending higher education. 1 student has graduated from university. 49 ss students are ranked in the top 10% of their respective grade. 85% of the ss students have improved their academic scores, and 97% have improved their attendance. Finally, 240 children not in the sponsorship program, were selected from the project area to receive notebooks and pens to help them attend school. Students and their families also benefitted from food support to help battle sky-rocketing inflation of food prices that threatens school attendance due to pressure to be part of daily labor for family survival.

Humanitarian aid was delivered due to consecutive drought in the Roots Ethiopia work area. Working in collaboration with local leaders our field team delivered food benefitting over 6,000 individuals. Over 1,000 families received flour and cooking oil.