CLASSROOMS PROJECT - 2020/2021

We travelled to Ethiopia back in late October of 2020 with the intention of executing our annual due diligence to identify our next school construction project (our 5th). Due to the armed conflict that started on November 4th, traveling around as freely as we were accustomed to was no longer an option. As a result, we also did not get a chance to go and personally congratulate the people of Anjiba for the completion of our last project. We have a full recap of that project on our website.

After a couple of weeks of staying put, our team on the ground felt it was safe enough to drive outside the city of Gonder and find what would be our 2021 construction project. We visited two schools on two separate trips. Based on our selection criteria and the current climate within the country, we chose TeDa Primary School, in a town 40 minutes south of Gonder City.

Seven months after our first interview with Principal Tekelebrehan and his staff, we completed the eight classrooms (two buildings) project.

On a normal school year, Ethiopian public schools are divided in to two daily shifts to accommodate the ever growing student population. These eight classrooms will serve on average about 800 students per day.

Our initial budget was 2.9 million Birr, which is about $67,000 at current market exchange. Out of the total amount, the community of TeDa and the school admin promised to cover the cost of roofing and water needed for construction, a value of 250,000 Birr ($5813). Just like any typical year in Ethiopia, what you purchase today may all of a sudden double in price tomorrow. Cement was one of those products. Not only did the price double and triple day to day, but there was a shortage that it temporarily held our project back a few weeks. With these challenges at the forefront, we finished the project at a total cost of 3,160,000 Birr.

Take Care of Home: 2.9 million Birr
Community/School Admin: 260,000 Birr

Teda is our fifth school where we have built classrooms. We look forward on updating you on our next school and their story, wherever it may be.

These images would not be possible without you. Thank you for being part of the Take Care of Home Family and please continue to ask your family and friends to join our quest to create equality and opportunities within the education sector.