Ethiopia: Support for 921 School Children in Marginalized Communities of Southern Ethiopia
The new school year in Ethiopia begins in September, according to the Ethiopian calendar. However, the following mentions school-age children are highly vulnerable to pursuing their classes.
- Children from very neglected tribes like Fuga and Manja
- Orphaned children with no financial support,
- Children from woman-headed households
- Children from extremely poor families with multiple dependents of school age
Having considered this issue, the PBF Foundation has done several remarkable things for those affected communities. A school block with numerous classrooms and their furnishings was built by PBF for these important Doano and Fuga communities.
https://bachmann-foundation.org/2023/10/20/october-2023-ethiopia-further-enrollment-of-numerous-children-from-the-fuga-community/
https://bachmann-foundation.org/2024/10/08/october-2024-ethiopia-durame-doano-school-construction-and-annual-stationery-support-to-the-destitute-children/
In September 2025, the Peter Bachmann Foundation (PBF) extended its annual educational support to
- More than 200 children from low-income families in Kedida Gamela District, Kembata Zone, Southern Ethiopia.
- 721 school-age children from grades 1-4 in Fuga and other community children in Demote-Gali Primary School in Wendiaregal District, Welayta Zone, southern Ethiopia.
The primary objective of this intervention was to enable disadvantaged children to pursue their education by providing the basic school materials required for effective participation in learning. The initiative contributes directly to:
- Reducing school dropout rates,
- Improving educational access and equity, and
- Fighting poverty and illiteracy across the district.
Our PBF representatives, Dr. Abel Yonas and Dr. Yosef Yonas, a former PBF student, coordinated the program for the Durame project, and Minota Mita for the Fuga community. The program was implemented collaboratively with local authorities and community leaders. The official distribution ceremony took place in the presence of a district president, the head of women and youth affairs, kebele administrators, community elders, and school representatives.
Message from the District President:
The president of Kedida Gamela District expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Peter Bachmann Foundation for its decade-long commitment to supporting education and vulnerable families in the district.
She emphasized that:
- The Foundation’s sustained engagement has significantly contributed to reducing illiteracy and improving school
- PBF has filled critical gaps by constructing schools in areas where government outreach remains limited—such as the Doano Primary School;
- Its holistic approach empowers local communities, especially mothers, orphans, and disadvantaged children, through education and hope.
She stated:
“Education is the most powerful instrument to overcome poverty. PBF’s long-standing partnership is a lifeline for our children and a source of pride for our district. We deeply appreciate the generosity and compassion of Mr. Peter Bachmann and his Foundation.”
Message from the District Vice President:
The Vice President of Kedida Gamela District also extended his gratitude to PBF, emphasizing the profound social and developmental impact of the annual support.
He noted that:
- The initiative has brought hundreds of children back to classrooms, protecting them from exposure to out-migration, exploitation, and substance abuse.
- It supports Ethiopia’s national and regional efforts to build competent, responsible, and ethical citizens;
- It represents a practical step toward realizing the government’s goal of Education for All.
Recognition and Media Coverage
The Kembata Zone Communication Office recognized the PBF educational support as one of the most outstanding philanthropic contributions of the year. The Office praised PBF for its strategic and compassionate approach to community development, calling it a model for sustainable and inclusive education support.
The recognition highlighted that PBF’s intervention directly aligns with Ethiopia’s national education strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
The Peter Bachmann Foundation continues to exemplify compassion-driven development through its educational initiatives in Southern Ethiopia. By supplying school materials to the most vulnerable children, PBF not only empowers individuals but also strengthens community resilience, reduces inequality, and fosters long-term social transformation.
The Foundation’s partnership with the district stands as a shining example of how local leadership and international philanthropy can work hand-in-hand to uplift communities and build a literate, confident, and hopeful generation.
PBF is valued by the school communities, administrators, children, and parents.
Getachew Sale
PBF coordinator