A Glimmer of Hope Foundation

Ethiopia

The role of education in eradicating poverty cannot be overstated. An education is perhaps a child’s strongest barrier to poverty.

It lowers birth rates, increases economic productivity and equips children with the skills necessary to participate in the workplace.

The power of an education continues to provide benefits to subsequent generations as educated adults tend to marry later in life, have healthier children, be more productive at work, receive better pay in the workplace and generally enjoy greater health.

Education is the foundation for higher living standards and an important tool in the long-term eradication of poverty.

While Ethiopia, in general, has made progress in increasing enrollment at the elementary level (enrollment rate exceeding 80%), the existing secondary schools have not been able to keep pace with the increased number of children graduating from elementary schools.

It is common for rural youth - especially girls - to drop out or be forced to travel far away from their homes in order to attend secondary school. The existing high schools are overcrowded and poorly furnished.

Most operate on a shift basis but even then there is an average of 90 students per classroom. The enrollment rate for high school education is 12%, however it is generally lower in the target areas.

Historically, education has only been available in the cities and larger towns and there’s still a long way to go before that imbalance is redressed. Right now, only half of all adults are able to read and write.

A Glimmer of Hope views education as a key factor in helping Ethiopia move from developing to developed. Its projects include the building or restoration of schools – particularly high schools – and the purchase of essential school supplies and furnishings.