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What We Do

Improve Primary Schools in Rural Ethiopia

In rural Ethiopia, children want to learn — but classrooms are often crumbling, supplies are scarce, and teachers have no training. Roots Ethiopia partners with schools to change that. Together with donors like you, we improve learning environments so students can thrive.

Why Primary School Improvements Matter

In the communities where we work, most primary schools lack basics like chalkboards, desks, and books. Class sizes are large. Teacher training is minimal. Many families consider dropping out — not because they don’t value education, but because the barriers feel too high.

Your support helps rural schools become places of hope and learning. It’s how we build long-term change for children and their communities.

What Your Support Provides

Renovated classrooms with new floors, roofs, and doors.
Desks, chalkboards, and learning materials.
Teachers get training using engaging, child centered methods.
School libraries and science labs are built and supplied.
Access to water, latrines, and safe play areas.

Yemisarech, a student at Mugunja School

Meet Yemisarech, a student at Mugunja School. We partnered with Mugunja School on a School Improvement Project – Yemisarech now enjoys new textbooks, robust reference materials, improved classroom facilities, and teachers motivated by professional development.

Yemisarech loves chemistry and now conducts hands-on experiments in Mugunja’s new science lab!

March 6, 2025

Building a Better Future: Ethiopian School Seeks Revival After 23 Years

A school in Hadiya with strong community support that needs help

The Story of Lalo Gerbe Primary School: A Community's Educational Journey

Twenty-three years ago, in Ethiopia's Hadiya Zone, the families of Shone town came together
with determination and hope. Using their own hands, they built Lalo Gerbe Primary School,
creating a place where their children could learn and grow. Today, this school serves over 1,100
students.

Current Challenges: A School in Need

But years of economic hardship have taken their toll. In this farming community, where families
depend on unpredictable rainfall for their crops, poor harvests have made it impossible to
maintain and upgrade their beloved school. The challenges are significant:

- Classrooms built for 40 students now squeeze in 90
- Students in grades 7-8 share one textbook among fifty children
- Younger students in grades 1-6 have no current textbooks at all
- Four or five students crowd onto benches meant for three
- There is no hands on science lab
- Blackboards are worn beyond repair
- The tiny 12x12 library holds only a handful of outdated reference books

Community Spirit: Unwavering Despite Obstacles

Despite these obstacles, the spirit of the community remains unbroken. Teachers arrive each
day, ready to inspire young minds. Students eagerly fill the crowded classrooms, sharing the
few books they have. Parents continue supporting the school however they can.

A Vision for Change: The School Improvement Project

Through strong community partnership and the same determined spirit that built this school 23
years ago, Lalo Gerbe Primary School is ready for positive change. The School Improvement
project brings together local families, teachers, and caring supporters like you to create better
learning opportunities for these eager students. 

Starting with essential improvements to infrastructure, providing much-needed educational resources, and supporting teacher
development, you can help fulfill the community's original vision: giving every child the chance to
learn and grow. 

Your support is needed to help over 1,100 students write their next chapter, starting with something as fundamental as having books to read.

Phase One: Building a Library for Learning

The project begins where it matters most - creating a real library.
The library renovation project will cost approximately $16,000 USD, which includes:
- Renovating and expanding the library space
- Installing proper bookshelves and reading tables
- Providing 60 comfortable chairs for students
- Purchasing 800 new curriculum reference books
- Training staff in library management

The Power of Books: Why This Matters

Every child deserves the chance to have books for learning. Books are places where the spark is nurtured. Books are places where students can find reference materials to expand their knowledge. And, a library is a beautiful, quiet, well-lit space to read and study. 
 

Are You Ready To Make a Difference?

Your loving support will:
-Dramatically improve the textbook-sharing ratio from 1:50 to 1:2
-Create a learning environment with books, chairs, tables, and a librarian
-Give more than 1,100 eager students the tools they need to learn
-Support 46 dedicated teachers with current teaching materials

The same community spirit that built this school 23 years ago is ready to rise again. Will you
help these determined students take their next step forward?

Yes, I want to help create a library at Lalo!

How to Get Involved

You can help a rural school get what it needs to serve students well. Whether it’s a chalkboard or a complete classroom renovation, your gift will make a difference.

Explore ways to give or contact us to talk about supporting a specific school project.

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With your help, we can continue to improve educational opportunities for more students like Yemisarech.

Give $21 to give 3 books to a school's first library. 

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