A new school year, and what comes next
September marks the beginning of a new school year for many children in Ethiopia. For students returning to school in the Ejerie region, it is another year of lessons, exams, friendships and planning for what comes next.
For some of the girls supported through our Underhill Scholarship Scheme, the school year will be one step in a much longer journey.
The Underhill Scholarship Scheme supports girls through secondary education, with the aim of helping them continue their studies and progress into further education or training. Over the years, we have seen former scholarship students move on to university and begin careers in areas including healthcare, banking and academia.
One recent example is Mekdes (pseudonym), who graduated from Addis Ababa University this year with a degree in economics. She had been supported by FDA-E throughout her secondary school years with stipends, mentoring and academic resources, including a laptop and a phone with a credit allowance. She then continued to receive support throughout her four years at university.
Mekdes graduated on the same day as her brother. Speaking after graduating, she said:
“Culture favours boys so if FDA-E had not come into my life, I might not have made it. Thank you so much for helping me succeed.”
Her story is one of many different journeys that have developed from our work with girls and young women over the past 20 years.
Some students will leave school and continue to university. Others may choose vocational training or employment. Some will use the skills they have developed to support their families and communities.
Our role is to help create opportunities for these different paths.
This is also why our current work includes developing learning libraries and an IT Centre, alongside our existing scholarship, mentoring and skills development programmes. The IT Centre and digital library project will provide girls with access to computers, digital resources and training, helping them develop skills that can support further education and employment.
The new school year therefore brings another opportunity for students to learn, develop their skills and think about their next steps.
We will continue working with our local partner, FDA-E, to support girls and vulnerable children in Ejerie as they progress through education and towards their chosen futures.