The build begins

It’s very early days, but this video brings home to the members and supporters of WDEF and our Ethiopian partner WADA, that we have passed the point of no return. The plot of land has been kindly donated by Workneh’s family to WADA, the permissions of the local authorities obtained, plans made, the local community brought onboard, the site secured and work commenced on the foundations.

WDEF has transferred £10,000 to enable WADA to do this work which represents about 1/3 of the funds raised so far. We estimate we will need over £100K to complete the kindergarten so both ourselves and WADA are ramping up our fundraising activities.

Community members are contributing skills, labour and equipment, and WADA are exploring fundraising opportunities in Ethiopia. Western funders prefer to fund end users directly to make sure the maximum benefit is received by the end users. We’re suggesting funders that we’ve identified who WADA might approach.

Work begins on Workneh’s school

An important milestone was reached and celebrated with the laying of the corner stone of the kindergarten school in Malkaa-Dhagaa Guder on the 26th November. The site has been fenced and a secure store for materials built. Work will begin shortly on pouring the foundations.

Elders and members of the local community gathered to hear speeches by local officials and the board of WADA (our partner organisation in Oromia).

WDEF will use this news to start a new fundraising campaign for 2025.