Learning resources

The Need

Books and computers are essential tools for students to reach their full potential in school and in life. The absence of libraries and computer labs has been a serious challenge for three church partners in Ethiopia, hindering them from implementing a robust holistic child development program for 706 boys and girls. Limited access to books and computers discourages youth from spending time at their local Compassion centres—and from becoming lifelong learners.

Most children living in these three communities in Ethiopia live in one-room houses where it is difficult to concentrate on their homework, negatively affecting their interest in learning. The only reading materials available at school are sorely out of date and can’t meet their growing needs, creating a barrier to academic performance. Their parents can’t afford to buy textbooks or reference books, further exasperating an already weak reading culture. More than half the registered children are high school students in desperate need of reference books and computer access to continue their studies.

For children to overcome poverty, they need safe, reliable access to the right tools and mentors. Three church partners in Ethiopia had a desire to create accessible, welcoming resource centres filled with books and computers to help foster good reading habits in their beneficiary children, enhance their academic performance and future job potential and increase time spent at their local Compassion centres where they can be nurtured and loved.

Our Response

Thanks to your generous funding of this intervention, 706 boys and girls in Ethiopia are relishing their newfound opportunity to learn information technology skills on the computer, grow in their reading skills, access digital offline libraries and enrich their whole academic experience.

As a first step, a taskforce was formed at each location, consisting of the centre director, local church leader, parents and construction professionals. The complementary intervention support specialist and partnership facilitator met with the taskforce members to review standards, construction methods and design details. The taskforce was responsible for site selection, ensuring legal proof of ownership for land, selecting contractors through a bidding process, purchasing construction materials and overseeing the progress.

Due to social unrest and lack of church readiness, two of the originally proposed churches were replaced with new ones (ET0352 and ET0576) to complete the intervention. The project end date was extended by 8 months to reflect this change. Additionally, two churches faced the challenge of severe inflation on construction materials, which also caused delays. In response, the churches raised local resources to offset the additional budget requirements. Parents and church members also helped with physical labour where possible.

Once construction was completed, each centre furnished the libraries with computers, desks, comfortable chairs, tables and bookshelves. They also purchased reading materials, including reference books, maps and visual aid equipment. Each centre held an inauguration ceremony to open the facilities. With engaging spaces available to invite children into, Compassion staff are increasing awareness and nurturing a love of reading among the children and youth in their care.

Activities

Construction: Each church constructed their own resource centre, using sturdy materials such as cement blocks and bricks. Parents and volunteers from the community helped with the build by providing physical labour.

Finishings: Resource centres are spacious, with windows to allow natural light. Locking doors offer security and the centres are properly ventilated to provide a comfortable learning environment. Each space was furnished with chairs and tables, bookshelves and computers.

Libraries: Children and youth from the centres are able to access books and reference materials they need for personal study and to help with schoolwork. With a comfortable space and engaging books, children will develop a culture and love of reading.

Computer labs: Each resource centre was outfitted with electrical installation, computers and monitors so students can access technology and the knowledge they need to move forward in life.

Student-friendly environments: Each resource centre, complete with a library and computer lab, offers an engaging space for children and youth to engage in personal studies, interact socially with mentors and peers and create meaningful learning experiences.

Your Gift Provides...

You helped construct and furnish computer labs and libraries for three church partners in Ethiopia:

• Preliminary activities
○ Orientation
○ Taskforce formation
○ Selection of contractor
○ Transportation
○ Project visits and monitoring

• Substructure
○ Excavation and earth work
○ Concrete work
○ Masonry

• Superstructure
○ Concrete and block work
○ Roofing and waterproofing
○ Carpentry and joinery
○ Metal work

• Finishing
○ Plastering
○ Flooring
○ Painting
○ Electrical installation

• Furnishing
○ 6 shelves, 5 tables, 30 chairs per centre
○ 5 computers, computer tables and chairs per centre
○ 250 books per centre
○ Models, maps and visual aid equipment