Partners in Ethiopia Small Grant 3 Narrative Report

With the completion, and official opening and handover of the Maternal Care Centre (MCC), Partners in Ethiopia (PIE) and Visions for Bright Future (VBF) have now shifted our primary focus to increasing educational opportunities for the low-income families and children of Agarfa and the surrounding Woreda (District). We believe that access to education is a basic human right.  

Purchasing a radiant warmer and other equipment for the MCC under the quoted price allowed us to supplement the Grant 3 funds by $1,125.74 increasing the amount available under Grant 3 to $6,125.74. Consequently, this raised the level of support for our education initiatives.

Support was given to students, grades 1-12, attending twenty-one of the fifty-four schools in the district. Donations and grants focus on removing barriers to education for students from low-income families.

 School uniforms are a requirement for school attendance. With the funds provided by Rose Charities, we purchased uniforms for 220 students at a cost of $2,002.69. As they are outgrown, these uniforms, are regularly handed down from sibling to sibling and to the children of neighbours. They are a passport through a school’s doors.

Additionally, the Small Grant funds allowed us to purchase basic school supplies for 450 students at a cost of $1,939.00. These supplies- pens, pencils, and workbooks- are a basic student requirement which many families cannot afford. Times are increasingly difficult in these recent years of high inflation.

 Small Grant 3 was also instrumental in purchasing 964 quality reference and textbooks for underfunded schools, at a cost of $3,618.00. Otherwise recently constructed schools are left with limited resources and a burgeoning student population.

 Agarfan community members and educators have consistently identified providing essential school supplies, textbooks, and uniforms as a priority. Decisions on who would receive support was made by a committee of elders, community members, and school officials.

We deeply appreciate Rose Charities’ continued support.

 Opening doors to education transforms lives and strengthens communities.