A Momentous Celebration: collaborative milestone for education in Amhara region, Ethiopia

Imagine1day, FCDO, and UNICEF Inaugurated Chewber Primary and Middle School

Imagine1day, in collaboration with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and UNICEF, inaugurated the Chewber Primary and Middle School, marking a significant achievement in the Amhara region’s educational landscape.

The inauguration event was graced by guests including representatives from the UNICEF Amhara field office, Imagine1day’s country and regional offices, Adiarkay woreda administration, the Amhara universities forum, community members, teachers, and students. The presence of such a diverse group aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the collective effort and community spirit driving this initiative.

 

      

The project encompasses comprehensive educational facilities:

• Two Classroom Blocks: each block contains four fully furnished classrooms, providing a conducive learning environment for students.
• Gender-Segregated Latrines: two blocks of latrines, with four pits each, ensure hygienic and private facilities for boys and girls.
• Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Room: a block to support girls’ health and well-being, crucial for their uninterrupted education.
• WASH Facilities: clean and safe water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities tailored for both boys and girls.

Fully furnished and ready for learning

All facilities have been meticulously furnished with the necessary materials to support an effective and comfortable learning experience. This includes desks, chairs, teaching aids, and sanitation supplies, ensuring that students and teachers have everything they need to thrive.

 

 

A Step Forward for the Community

The Chewber Primary and Middle School is proof of the power of collaboration and commitment to education. This project aims to foster a supportive and inclusive educational environment for all students by providing modern facilities and addressing crucial health and hygiene needs.

Imagine1day, FCDO, and UNICEF extend their heartfelt thanks to all partners and community members who have contributed to making this vision a reality. Together, we are building a brighter future for the children of Amhara.

 

 

Building a Brighter Tomorrow: Creating Access to Education

“I joined a school for the first time because of the Accelerated Primary Learning Program (APLP) by UNICEF and Imagine1day at the China IDP site,” says Adem Mohamed, a 13-year-old student from the China IDP site in Debre Birhan town, Amhara region, Ethiopia.

Adem has been living with his sister, Momina, after being separated from their parents since he was eight. In April 2023, they moved from the Oromia region to the Amhara region, joining the China IDP site, while their parents relocated to Gojam.

“At first, I wasn’t happy about moving to the China IDP site because I was separated from all my friends back home,” Adem shares. “But then, the APLP turned out to be the greatest thing in my entire life. It has been the best experience I have ever had. I enjoy learning a lot. I have made many friends and I am happier than ever.”

Adem is making the most out of his first opportunity for formal schooling. After completing grade one in just three months, he was promoted to grade two, which he also completed in three months with outstanding marks. Currently, he is attending grade three and working diligently to achieve his dream of becoming an engineer.

Adem’s teacher, Workinesh, acknowledges his achievements, saying, “Adem ranked first out of 46 students in his class, with an average score of 98.5. He is top on the list of students I will remember for their remarkable academic progress and unwavering dedication to their studies since joining the APLP.”

While Adem excels in all subjects, English is his favorite. He dreams of becoming an engineer so he can build schools for children in crisis settings.

 

 

 

A Dream Realized: The Success of the Bete II Project

“There is nothing more fulfilling than getting the chance to serve children in a crisis setting when you are a victim yourself. I am forever thankful to UNICEF and Imagine1day for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” says Wubanchi Mekonnen, who was displaced from East Wollega due to internal conflict.

Wubanchi was born and lived in the East Wolea Zone, Sibusire district of the Oromia region until she was displaced to Addis Ababa. She holds a university degree in Civics and Ethical Studies.

“I had dreamed of becoming a teacher since childhood. I always wanted to be a great teacher and a role model for my students. I was certain I would serve as a teacher at the school where I studied once I graduated from university. But everything changed when conflict erupted in my hometown, forcing me to flee. I struggled just to survive, let alone to live out my dream,” Wubanchi recalls.

Life in Addis Ababa proved challenging, so Wubanchi moved to Debre Birhan town in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. She and her family settled in the China IDP site, where she reconnected with her dream of being a teacher.

“I had lost hope, thinking my life would be a mess in the IDP site. The Bete II project by UNICEF and Imagine1day changed everything for the better. The day I started serving as a facilitator for the Accelerated Primary Learning Program (APLP) was a turning point in my life. It wasn’t just a job opportunity; it was a dream come true. Although I couldn’t teach at the school I had attended, I realized my vision of being a teacher,” Wubanchi shares.

Wubanchi is now dedicated to serving the displaced community through her profession. She teaches English to grade three students in the IDP site and serves as a homeroom teacher for 38 students. Her dedication is evident in her efforts to provide education to displaced children despite the challenging circumstances.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Staff Profile: Umer Limu

Umer Limu Kassim, the National Program Director for Imagine1day, hails from the Bale Zone in the Oromia region of Ethiopia. With a rich background in education and development, Umer has accumulated 20 years of leadership experience in various roles such as primary and secondary school teacher, school principal, and education officer.

In January 2014, Umer embarked on his journey with imagine1day, contributing significantly to diverse capacities within the organization. His roles have included serving as a community mobilizing officer, monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and learning officer, zonal program coordinator, regional program manager, and presently, the national program director.

Educationally, Umer holds a bachelor’s degree in geography and environmental science from Meda-Welabu University (2010) and a master’s degree in Developmental Studies from Ambo University, both located in Ethiopia. Furthermore, he has undergone multiple short-term training sessions covering a range of topics including Transformational Leadership, Lightyear Leadership, Landmark personal development, Education, protection, PSEA, WASH, and Livelihood.

Umer Limu Kassim’s dedicated commitment to education and development, coupled with his extensive experience and academic qualifications, exemplifies his invaluable contribution to the noble cause championed by Imagine1day.