Author: Brian Foster

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Workneh Dechasa 4th Anniversary picnic 2023

Just a week to go before this years 4th Anniversary Picnic in Finsbury Park where we will be gathering to remember the life and work Workneh Dechasa, who sadly passed away four years ago.

Come and join us to meet old friends and help us raise funds to build a preschool in his memory in his birthplace near Guder, Oromia. After many challenges, in Oromia and in our organisation, we have the go-ahead to start serious fundraising.

Last year,  lots of Workneh’s family, friends and colleagues enjoyed great food, lovely weather, East African sounds and good company. This year we hope we can make it better still.

We’ll provide:

  • Food and soft drinks
  • Merchandise for sale
  • Music
  • Games and challenges

Bring your own blankets and cash to buy our merchandise or make a donation using the button below.

The picnic location, pictured above, is close to the Endymion Gate, Endymion Road, London N4 1EH (also called New River gate). There are good public transport links.

Please come along and bring your family and friends. Last year’s event had a great atmosphere. If you can’t come and would like to support our efforts we have the donations page where you can contribute 

Looking forward to seeing you there.

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School plans

Our plans are beginning to take shape. The land which Workneh’s family are donating is too small for an elementary school, but we’re exploring the possibility of buildings community preschool facility which would give children a strong foundation for their education while keeping the provision local.

Although school age children will have to travel into Guder, a well designed facility could be used for community activities and by other services, as well as providing a stimulating early years experience which will lay the foundation for the rest of their education.

As far as we understand, the Oromia Education Bureau has completed its work and passed it to the local authority in Guder. Genet Dechasa, Workneh’s younger sister is coordinating with them. We will, of course, post updates as we get news.

Informing Early Childhood Education in Ethiopia

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Update from WADA

The Oromia/Ethiopia executive committee of WADA Education Foundation wrote this report to update our status and makes you understand our current situation. The executive committee performed the following activities: –

*     Evaluate the performances of the committee during the year 2022 or 2014 E.C and found that the committee didn’t accomplish what was planned.

*      Prepared performance report and annual plan for 2022/23 or 2015 Ethiopian fiscal year, and submitted to the Oromia Attorney office 

*     Prepared grand summary cost of the construction of classrooms for 400 students, offices and toilets (renewal of license) 

*     Renewed the foundation license for the next one year with the support of Tokke Kutaye district education office (It wrote us support letter)

As we already communicated you the plot of land donated by Workneh Dechasa for the school was not sufficient as per the requirements of Oromia Education Bureau for a one Storey build. The discussion on the land requirements which was started earlier was not finalized due to the situation in Oromia. The situation continues to be worse at present. 

Hirpa Abu – Secretary WADA