Life in Freselam is tough. The area sits near the militarized zone of the Ethiopia-Eritrea border dispute. The barren landscape has been hit by droughts. For generations, the children that lived here never had a chance for an education.

But Freselam means “seed of peace” and the community is living up to the ambitions of its name. Four years ago, the community established a satellite school, catering to Grades 1-2. By 2015, they had a formal school, catering up to Grade 4.

It is a school in the strictest definition: There are teachers educating children. But it is not a school by any other standard. There are no desks. No latrines. No classrooms.

Instead, children learn under the shade of plants draped over propped-up sticks. There is little respite from the baking sun and no protection against the incessant dust. A strong wind will easily leave the “classroom” in ruins.

We want to plant our own seed – the seed of education, by giving the children of Freselam a proper school to learn and grow in.

This year, we plan to build a new school for Freselam. With your support we will construct new classrooms, an early childhood education centre, library and latrines.