I have recently returned from a few weeks in Northern Ethiopia, where most of our work is carried out through our local partners Ethiopian Youth Educational Support (EYES). Much has been made of famines in parts of the country; whilst not decrying these devastating effects, we are fortunate that where we work there are no food shortages. It has however drastically increased food costs nationwide, causing some problems amongst our more vulnerable students so that we have increased our scholarshiop allowances to mitigate their problems. During June all of our over 2,000 students were heavily involved in their end of year exams, which all must pass to be promoted to their next year. Ethiopians take exams seriously, although seem far less stressed about it than their western country counterparts. Results have been trickling in and it is heartening to see that all students, the more they are with and supported by us, show continual improvement, not only academically but with increased self-confidence and better health.
The highlight of my visit was the dedication by His Holiness Abune Paulos of St Michael's Church School Dormitory for over 100 boys, many of whom are disabled, for which A-CET had financed the construction and furnishing.
Completing St Michaels's dormitory (called "Abinet" meaning "good example") in less than six months was an achievement, and now leaves us free to concentrate on the upgrading our third rural elementary school at Gumselasa. Initially this is being done by community labour supported by the local administration with by an EYES Engineer. In line with food prices, all material costs have escalated often by over 30%, resulting from higher fuel and imported material costs. It is anticipated that this will require more than careful re-budgetting.
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