Because of drought, the Hamar can no longer grow enough food to feed their families. For most of the year they rely on foraging nuts and food relief. They want to earn money and regain their self-reliance.
They realize they need new skills to earn money. Learning Amharic (the national language) and understanding basic calculations and record keeping is the first step. So GTLI has opened Function Adult Literacy (FAL) schools integrated with Income Generating Activities.
Our first school opened in the community of Minogelti with 12 eager women students. Today 60 women and men attend. Our second school opened in Wonga Bayno with a handful of pupils. Today over 100 students come. We are quickly building a new building!
Why the growth in interest? Because those first 12 students – the Minogelti Women’s Cooperative – used their education to open a grinding mill and trading center, earning money for their families and providing valuable services to the community. Now other women – and men – want the same opportunity.
The biggest beneficiaries are the girls. Until recently, fathers refused to allow their daughters to attend school because “an educated girl does not command a bride price.” Now fathers see that educated girls support the family and encourage their girls to attend.
-
©2012 gtli.us. All Rights Reserved
Global Team for Local Initiatives is a U.S. based 501©(3) organization.
Our funding partners include USAID, Rotary and generous private donors.
PO Box 11277, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 (206) 601-1776 info@gtli.us.
.png){kind=logo}