You have probably heard it on your daily media: the political and social situation is very confused in Ethiopia and tensions are very high between the central power and the Tigray region. Despite the difficulties this causes, the work on the school in Sona and its annex in Chirolaba is progressing. Here is what we know about the situation on the ground.
Political crisis in Ethiopia
For 1 year now, an armed group from the Tigray region, the TPLF, has been rising up against the central and federal government in Addis Ababa. The fighting is intense in the Tigray region, but also in neighbouring Amhara and Afar. The outcome of this fighting is currently highly uncertain, with no political solution in sight in the near future. For more information on the situation in Ethiopia, we invite you to follow the regular coverage of the newspaper Le Monde or the RTS.
A large number of refugees from Simien have flocked to Debark and are in great distress. Independently of the work on the school, the Foundation Board has decided to provide emergency food aid for this population. A budget of 120,000 birrs (around €2,200 or CHF2,400) has been allocated to the purchase of 5,000 kg of sorghum and 120 litres of oil to supplement the aid provided by the United Nations and the High Commission for Refugees (HCR). It is likely that we will have to continue this aid to the people of Simien in the near future, so if you can, please don't hesitate to support us with an exceptional donation!
Work at the Sona school
Once used as a refuge by the Amhara armed militia, the school was evacuated as the start of the new school year approached in September. Since then, our team on the ground in Debark has ensured that the work has been resumed by the builder Kedir Hassan. Work resumed in mid-October, given the supply difficulties caused by the scarcity of means of transport in Simien. The bulk of the work has already been completed, and is now at the finishing stage. These include
Water storage, filtration and distribution
The water storage and filtration room is currently being finished (the photo dates from 20 September 2021). It consists of a reinforced concrete structure on which will rest two 2,000-litre tanks. The height will ensure gravity-fed distribution. In an adjacent room, sheltered from the slab and walls, will be the UV filtration system, powered by solar panels installed at the beginning of the year (see our article on theelectricity supply).
Fencing and security at the Sona school
The school grounds are also fenced off to ensure the safety of the children and control access.
There will also be an access gate to the east of the pitch, where most of the children usually arrive.
When these tasks are completed, which will be soon, as the photos are all dated September 20, the last major work will start: the final earthwork of the school grounds and its cleanliness. The rest of the work can then be programmed: agricultural planting and building the campsite to welcome the trekkers when they return.
But at the same time, another front is opening up for the Foundation with the start of work to welcome the sponsored children to the Chirolaba secondary school! To find out more, see our section on sponsorship.
The Chirolaba project
Thanks to your generosity, 10 deserving children (5 boys and 5 girls) from the Sona school who have completed grade 8 will be able to attend the Chirolaba secondary school. An agreement has been drawn up between the Foundation, the secondary school and the Chirolaba town council to ensure that the children receive the best possible welcome: accommodation and food, teaching support and safety. Each party is responsible for one aspect of this operation. It is within this framework that the Foundation has released a budget to build a hostel for around twenty children, in anticipation of the promotion of 10 children at the start of the 2022 school year. The secondary school, which has only recently been built and has extensive grounds, has made available a plot of land within its secure perimeter to build the reception building for the Sona children.
The work has just started and unfortunately we don't have any pictures yet. The one above was taken in April during our last trip. We will keep you informed of the progress of the construction.
Staying the course in the storm
Between COVID and civil war, Ethiopia and Ethiopians are once again facing adversity. More than ever, our presence and your support are useful. We are in weekly contact with our local team who are doing their best in view of the difficult conditions. We do not lose sight of our common objectives in the service of the children of Sona and their families and ensure that our commitments are respected. We also do not hesitate to expand the scope of our support when the need becomes absolute and we are convinced that you share this responsibility with us. And we are happy and proud to be able to count on you.