Description

A head start in life. This gift contributes to projects which help give children the chance to attend community based pre-school classes. This experience helps children start school with confidence and stay in school longer.

Previously we worried about our children’s education. We always talked about the issue. We prayed about the issue. God has answered our prayer. We can see the difference… As mothers we see the fruits of the project. Mothers from Damboya district, Ethiopia.

How your gift helps

Smile! It’s class photo time for the children at this pre-school in Damboya district, Ethiopia.

Their pre-school is part of a 10-year project run by TEAR’s partner the Ethiopian Kale Heywet Church (EKHC), designed to reduce the barriers to children entering the education system.

Children who want to enter the government primary school system in Ethiopia need a basic level of literacy, which excludes many of those who are poor and marginalised, especially in rural areas.

EKHC’s Child Literacy Project provides a pre-school education for these children, equipping them with basic literacy and numeracy to enter the government school system. It works through local churches which recruit volunteers, who are then trained as education facilitators. The whole community is involved – from parents to community leaders. All community members are welcome to attend, regardless of religion.

The project aims to put 50,000 children through pre-school every three years. It has also attracted the attention of the Ethiopian Government, which has seen the benefit of a pre-school education and begun opening government pre-schools in some areas.

Mothers in the community also shared their excitement about the project. One said: “Previously we worried about our children’s education. We always talked about the issue. We prayed about the issue. God has answered our prayer. For girls this is a great opportunity. They have equal learning with the boys.”

Another mother said: “We can see the difference between our older children who haven’t had pre-school and our younger ones who do in their academic performance and in their behaviour and attitudes. As mothers we see the fruits of the project at school and at home.”

Your gift of Pre-School Classes is contributing to projects like this one and making a difference in the lives of those facing poverty and marginalisation.

About our partner

The Ethiopian Kale Heywet Church (Kale Heywet means “Word of Life”) is a long-term TEAR partner in Ethiopia. They work with a number of village communities to implement projects including child literacy/education and water and sanitation.

What you receive

• Choose from a printed card or download-and-print pdf card (or no card, just a tax-deductible receipt).
• Links to download-and-print cards are emailed to you after checkout.
• The amount you have donated will not be on the card.
• Printed cards:
  • A blank envelope for your card.
  • Free standard postage within Australia (5-7 working days) or $6 for Express Post (2-3 working days). Express Post cards will normally be sent the same day if the order is made before 1:30pm AEST. Please note: Express Post only operates in these areas within Australia.
  • Note: We cannot ship printed cards outside Australia (but you can still order the digital cards).
  • Note: We do NOT write on your cards—they are delivered to you to personalise.
• A tax-deductible receipt.