Bole Debrs. Medhanealem Cath Aster Maru Mem School

Yem Maru along with family and friends has started the GoFundMe to prevent the closure of an elementary school educating 240 children who cannot afford to go to school in the heart of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

For the first 5 years (2015 to 2020) of its establishment, The Bole Debreselam Medhanealem Cathedral Aster Maru Memorial Elementary School was solely supported by Maru Goodwill Inc. charity organization. However, as of 2021 the school has been experiencing budget shortfalls due to unforeseen circumstances.

We are organizing a fundraiser to avert the closure of the school and help the 240 disadvantaged children continue their elementary grade education in the upcoming school year (September 2022). We firmly believe that all children have the right to access basic education in a nurturing and safe environment. The school's mission is to provide disadvantaged children with quality education, school supplies, uniforms, and food. Please help us avert the looming closure of the school. Let us continue supporting and educating these precious children in the heart of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

1. Background

The Bole Debreselam Medhanealem Cathedral, Aster Maru memorial elementary school was founded in 2015. The school was founded and built by a charity organization Maru Goodwill Inc. The school is situated within the premises of the Bole Debreselam Medhanealem and Yohannes Metmeku (John the Baptist) Cathedral.

2. Purpose

The school was set up primarily to provide formal education to children from disadvantaged families by covering all educational costs.

3. Vision

To become cradle of education, knowledge, and good values for nurturing children particularly those from disadvantaged families.

4. Student enrollment

The school plays a key part in the selection and enrollment process of students to ensure the children who fulfill the criteria are enrolled. The screening committee conducts the screening and home visits of new applicants. The committee comprises representatives of the cathedral, school administration and the district/woreda education secretariat.

5. Students, teachers, and staff

In 2021/2 school year, 240 students from the grades 1st - 8th were enrolled in the school, with 16 teachers and 10 administration and support staff.

6. Services

The school provides the following major services free of charge.

- Education

- Lunch service

- Uniforms

- School supplies, books, and materials, and

- Educational tour

- Holidays

- Encouragement award when capacity /funds permit

7. Performance

- In a nationwide inspection of education quality assurance, the school was recognized as one of the best schools in the sub-city and was awarded certificate of endorsement.

- For the last two consecutive years all students scored high grades in the national examination for 8th grade students and joined high schools in the district.

- To inculcate students with good moral values and behavior, the school developed moral values curriculum and teachings which has resulted in tangible positive changes in the behavior of students.

8. Challenges

For the first 5 years (2015 to 2020) of its establishment, the school was solely supported by Maru Goodwill Inc charity organization. As of 2021 however, the school had budget shortfalls due to unforeseen challenges. Though some sympathetic individuals and organizations have offered donations to help keep the school open since 2021. The school is now facing closure if it does not get the financial and material support. It is very unfortunate that the school may have to close the gates of the safe and nurturing place of the beloved students.

9. Support

We respectfully and humbly seek your support to continue this truly sacred and virtuous duty of assisting children access free education. Help us in supporting the children and their chance to support themselves, families, communities and most importantly to proudly serve their country and the world. Support this truly noble cause.

We also cordially invite you to come and visit our beloved students and school to witness all the good work. of our school community.

For donations:

Maru Goodwill, Inc.

Sandy Spring Bank

Account Number: 1655152801

Tax ID: 27-0235528

School Address:

Bole Debreselam Cathedral Aster Maru Memorial Elementary School

Bole sub-city, woreda 03, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,

in the premises of Bole Debreselam Medhanealem Metmeku Yohannes Abune Aregawi Cathedral

Telephone Contacts:

Yem Maru – Maru Goodwill, Inc.

1-301-651-4474

Alemu Woldie – School Director

+251(0)913625201

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!