God Provides: Ethiopia High School Now Open
We are so thankful to see high school students in class on our campus. We have waited a long time to see our vision for a high school come to life, but now, it is here! The students are doing well, and we are very proud of them. They are excelling in their studies, and we see them making wise decisions to help others.
As always, don’t forget to check out the encouraging story and prayer requests below.
—Ethiopia Team
After a worthwhile, 12-year journey,
108 high schoolers in Ethiopia are currently receiving a quality education, with more to come in the years to follow.
Before the school was built, after 8th grade, these students would either have to drop out of school or switch to a school where their quality of education would be diminished due to large class sizes and a lack of holistic care. According to a 2022 UNICEF report, in the region where we serve, less than 20% of high-school-aged children attend high school, and only 3% of students make it to 11th and 12th grade.
But now, with a high school built and full of life, it’s possible for students to continue learning, growing, and achieving their dreams.
Most recently, the construction team built a fence, added gates, connected the water lines, and added pavement around the building. They also planted grass, transforming the surrounding areas from dusty and barren to fresh and green. Children and teenagers alike are enjoying the grassy areas for sports and other activities.
In addition to the high school, a dining hall in another ministry location is now built and has been operational for three weeks. The children we serve receive meals each day.
One student our team is proud of is Esheta.*
This year, she took the national exam, and though she didn’t pass, her score was high enough to qualify her for a one-year continued education program at the university before she retakes the exam. 90% of students pass the exam after this program.
At Lifesong, we stand by a 4-part pledge to the children we serve. The fourth part of the pledge affirms our commitment to providing orphaned young adults like Esheta with continued love and support as they transition into adult living.
Be taught the Gospel and how to live as a follower of Jesus Christ
Not want for food, clothing, medical care, or shelter
Receive a quality education to provide a foundation for their future
Experience continued love and support while transitioning into adult living
Our teachers also continue to develop professionally.
Earlier this year, they attended a training that equipped them with Bible curriculum and teaching materials for children up to age 12. These materials will help give the children we serve a solid Christian foundation from an early age, making a difference by the time they get to high school.
As a ministry director in Ethiopia shares—
“I believe it will be more fruitful if we have deep-rooted teaching at the kindergarten level. We also started the student’s fellowship in collaboration with the local church leaders.”
Conflict in Ethiopia continues to affect our staff.
Travel can be dangerous, so precautions are taken to ensure their safety when making trips. Thankfully, even as Ethiopia faces unrest, school gives orphaned and vulnerable children the stability, hope, and community that is so important at a time like this.
*Names have been changed to protect the identities of the children we serve.
Pray for Ethiopia
- Praise God that the high school is now open and serving 108 students in Ethiopia.
- Praise God for providing safety and protection despite conflict in Ethiopia. Pray for continued protection, especially for staff and their families as they travel to campus.
- Praise God for more opportunities to disciple the children our team serves this year.
- Pray for students who are taking exams, that their futures may be bright.
- Pray for healing and recovery from a malaria outbreak across Ethiopia.
Join our prayer team to receive monthly prayer requests & praises from across our ministry.
Will you help orphaned and vulnerable children in Ethiopia experience the hope of the Gospel?
When you give to Lifesong, you show orphaned and vulnerable children they are seen, known, and loved through Gospel-centered holistic care. Thanks to TMG Foundation, 100% of your gift goes directly to helping orphaned and vulnerable children.