What We Achieved Through Education
Imagine1day Honored for Transformative Impact on Education in Oromia and Afar Regions
Adama & Semera, Ethiopia — Imagine1day has been recognized for its outstanding contributions to Ethiopia’s education sector, receiving top honors from both the Oromia and Afar Regional Education Bureaus during their respective Annual Education Conferences. The awards celebrate Imagine1day’s unwavering commitment to transforming education through infrastructure development, resource provision, and capacity building.
In Oromia, Imagine1day’s Regional Office was honored among the top three NGOs by the Oromia Education Bureau at a ceremony held in Adama. The conference, themed “Education for Human Capital Development,” brought together national and regional education officials, teachers’ associations, parents, and students to highlight achievements in advancing learning outcomes across the region.
Imagine1day was appreciated for its holistic approach to educational development.
Imagine1day’s impact was celebrated in key areas:
- School Infrastructure: Building pre-primary, primary, and secondary schools to increase access to education.
- Resource Provision: Supplying furniture, supplementary books, and laboratory equipment to enhance learning environments.
- Capacity Building: Delivering professional development training for teachers and school leaders to improve education quality.
These efforts have collectively strengthened access, equity, and quality in the Oromia education system.
Meanwhile, in the Afar Region, Imagine1day’s regional office was also honored by the Afar Regional Education Bureau for its exceptional role in strengthening the region’s education system. Through initiatives such as establishing Temporary Learning Sites (TLS), providing scholastic materials, and creating supportive learning spaces, Imagine1day has enabled thousands of out-of-school children to access education. The organization has also played a vital role in bringing out-of-school children back to learning through the provision of an Accelerated Learning Program (ALP), implemented with a condensed curriculum and well-trained facilitators, while making significant contributions to system-strengthening efforts across the region.
Across both regions, these honors underscore Imagine1day’s national impact and its mission: Leveraging the power of education to transform a Nation. Through innovation, partnership, and local engagement, Imagine1day continues to pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for Ethiopia’s generations to come.
Wonko Primary School Inaugurated in Central Ethiopia
In partnership with the Tadesse Derebe Family, Imagine1day inaugurated the Wonko Primary School in the Kedida Gamela District of Kembata Zone, Central Ethiopia.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by delegates from the Central Ethiopia Regional Education Bureau, Kembata Zone Administration, local government officials, and community leaders, all celebrating this milestone in advancing education access for rural children.
The new school construction includes:
- A classroom block with four fully furnished classrooms
- A pre-primary classroom block furnished with child-friendly furniture and Montessori kits to enhance early learning.
- Gender-segregated latrines ensuring dignity and inclusivity
With a capacity to serve 648 students — 357 boys and 291 girls — the Wonko Primary School is set to reduce dropout rates, promote gender equality, and enhance academic performance. This investment represents a significant step toward a brighter, more equitable future for children in Wonko and the surrounding communities.
What We Achieved Through Leadership
Strategic Leadership Meeting in Vancouver, BC
A leadership meeting held in Vancouver, the Imagine1day Board of Directors and the Ethiopian leadership team came together to align on strategic direction, sustainability, and long-term impact.
Imagine1day Board of Directors and the Ethiopian leadership Team
The event served as an energetic stage for collaboration, reflection, and forward planning. The Ethiopian leadership team delivered inspiring progress updates, sharing powerful stories and field insights that highlighted innovation, local ownership, and the sustainable impact of Imagine1day’s work in communities throughout Ethiopia.
Board members praised the team’s achievements and dedication, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration and shared learning between the global and local leadership structures. Together, both teams explored strategies to strengthen sustainability, enhance educational outcomes, and expand leadership development initiatives that empower communities to drive lasting change.
The discussions concluded with a renewed sense of partnership and shared vision, ensuring Imagine1day remains well-positioned to scale its impact and continue shaping the future of education in Ethiopia.
What We Achieved Through Protection
Empowering Girls Through Reusable Sanitary Pad Production Training
With support from the European Union (EU), Imagine1day implemented a transformative initiative promoting gender equality and supporting girls’ education in Konso Zone (Southern Ethiopia) and Metekel Zone (Benishangul Gumuz).
The Reusable Sanitary Pad Production Training addresses menstrual hygiene challenges that often hinder girls’ school attendance.
Expanded Impact Through Efficient Resource Use:
- Southern Ethiopia region: 45 sewing machines, benefiting 9 schools and 27 trainees
- Benishangul Gumuz region: 18 machines, reaching 6 schools and 12 trainees
Skills, Confidence, and Sustainability:
Training covered pad production and maintenance, menstrual hygiene awareness, stigma reduction, and entrepreneurship. Graduates now train peers, continue production in schools, and explore small-scale income-generating opportunities.
Why Reusable Pads Matter:
These affordable, eco-friendly solutions ensure menstruation does not prevent girls from learning while promoting environmental sustainability.
A Lasting Impact:
This initiative is improving attendance, confidence, and participation among girls. With continued partnership between the EU, UNICEF, Imagine1day, and local education offices, it sets a strong example of community-based solutions creating lasting change.
Looking Ahead
From recognitions and school inaugurations to strategic leadership engagements and gender-transformative initiatives, Imagine1day continues to demonstrate how collaboration, innovation, and vision can transform education across Ethiopia.
Together with our partners, donors, and government stakeholders, we remain committed to ensuring every child has access to quality, inclusive, and sustainable education.
Meet Our Team: Behind the Impact
Staff Bio: Seifu Mohammed, Oromia, Regional Program Manager
Seifu Mohammed holds a Master’s Degree in Development Studies from Ambo University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Afan Oromo with a minor in Educational Planning and Management (EDPM) from Adama University, and a Diploma in Language Stream from Robe Teachers’ College.
Staff Bio: Yusuf Omer, Afar, Regional Program Manager
Yusuf Omer is a dedicated humanitarian and development professional with over 12 years of progressive leadership experience in program management, emergency response, and community development. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Master’s in International Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid from Kalu Institution, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Project Management.
Yusuf’s career journey spans both government and humanitarian sectors. He spent six years in government service, two as an Education Expert and four as a Senior Counselor and Community-Based Health Insurance Team Leader, before transitioning to the humanitarian field.
Since joining Imagine1day International Organization in 2019, Yusuf has served in various leadership roles including Protection Program Officer, Education Program Officer, Child Protection and EiE Zonal Coordinator, and Regional Program Coordinator. He currently leads as Regional Program Manager for the Afar Region, overseeing emergency response and education initiatives that reach crisis-affected children and communities.
With extensive experience across Oromia, Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz, and Afar regions, Yusuf brings a deep understanding of Ethiopia’s diverse contexts and a strong commitment to ensuring that every child has access to quality education in safe and inclusive environments.