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There are so many Ways to Give! Use our drop down menu and choose how you will join our mission in rural Ethiopia. 

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

The Power of Sports: Building Strong Students in Ethiopian Schools

Girls who play soccer at Lalo School

Every Student Deserves to Play

In rural Ethiopia, most children lack access to organized sports. They play with makeshift balls on uneven fields, often barefoot. At Roots Ethiopia, we know that structured sports programs give students essential opportunities for growth, health, and connection.

From Pickup Games to Team Sports

Your support provides the basics that many of us take for granted. A pair of sneakers, a team uniform, a proper soccer ball - these simple items make meaningful differences in a child's daily life. And for children who thrive with structure and physical movement, team sports are excellent. 

Before our programs, students played informal pickup games whenever possible, using whatever they could find. Now, at schools with school improvement work in place, girls and boys are  part of real teams with coaches, regular practices, and standard sport equipment. This structure and support helps them develop skills and confidence.

Impact Beyond Athletics

Research confirms the wide-ranging benefits of sports participation. Students who play sports show improved grades, attendance, and graduation rates. They develop essential skills in teamwork, communication, and perseverance.

For girls especially, sports open new doors. In communities where girls face limited opportunities, being part of a sports team builds confidence and challenges gender barriers. 

Investing in Students and Schools

When you support sports programs at Roots Ethiopia, you strengthen both individual students and their school communities.

Picture a student wearing their team uniform for the first time. Watch their progress as they master new skills and achieve their goals. See how being part of a team creates lasting friendships and school pride.

These are the concrete results of your sports support.

Give the Gift of Sports! 

At Roots Ethiopia, we work toward schools where every student has access to organized sports. Volleyball, soccer, and basketball are all sports that are uniquely supported with your generosity. 

Your contribution provides the equipment, coaching, and structure that helps students succeed in sports, academics, and life.

Join us in strengthening Ethiopian communities through effective school sports programs.

Give the Gift of Sports

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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