Category: School build

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View of the site as classroom Block A nears completion

On the weekend of October 11th Birisa Bedhane Dechasa and Olana Hundessa visited the site near Guder and recorded this video which shows the work that has been done and that which remains. WDEF are in awe of the efforts being made by our partners WADA, and the workers on site to realise Workneh’s vision.

Block A comprises 4 classrooms and will be matched by a similar Block B. There will also be two smaller Blocks for student’s belongings and toilets. Funding for Block C has been donated by Harriet’s Footsteps Charity.

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The foundations are laid 26th June 2025

Our partners in Oromia, WADA sent this image of the completed substructure of Block A which has been completed within budget and without unnecessary delays. WADA presented itemised their anticipated costs to complete the superstructure and the requested funds were agreed by the Trustees.

This phase of the build should be completed in September.

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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.