Sponsoring a Child at Gendit School

Great news! We have now built a new school which is fit for purpose for 227 pupils at Gendit School.  The school now consists of four newly constructed classrooms and four refurbished ones.  The staff, children and their families are delighted and so are we. Very many thanks to all who have made this possible.  

However, sadly, and through no fault of their own, there are some children who are in danger of dropping out of school because their families are so desperately poor. The cost of schooling is a difficult burden. Sadly, from the seven children at the beginning of this year who were in urgent need of sponsorship five remain - three boys, and two girls.

Sponsorship facts in brief

*   £19 per month for each child 

*   Funding goes directly to the mother, father or guardian of the child towards essentials, e.g. rent, food, clothes

*   Educational materials are provided at the beginning of each school year

*   Emergency fund in case of loss of job or illness in the family; costs of medical care

*   Additional school support in the form of tutoring and mentoring

*   Each year the sponsor receives an update on the child’s progress in school, and a letter or drawing from the child

Managing the sponsorship programme at Gendit School

*Dedicated staff based in Gondar support and monitor the programme, maintaining close contact with the families and paying them regular visits 

Personal note

When I was in Ethiopia last year I saw for myself not only the tremendous need of the families, but also the integrity of this sponsorship programme which is so scrupulously administered, yet with all the tact and discretion required to maintain the dignity of the families.  Sponsoring a child is a means of putting your concern you feel into action.  It brings with it the satisfaction of knowing that you have in this way helped a child to see and realise a future with choices, built on the firm foundation of a sound education.  

Can you help one of the five children at Gendit School by becoming a sponsor? 

Written by Kate Rutherford, Chair of Trustees, Building Futures Ethiopia

For further information about the programme and the children, please contact me at kateruther@gmail.com