training center
Gereba, Kaffa
Vision and purpose of the project
Our vision is to create a school in Ethiopia that provides more than just education - it should be a center for holistic development. Pupils from rural areas will receive a high-quality education that includes not only traditional subjects but also practical skills such as crafts, agricultural techniques, art, music and sport. This project goes beyond mere school education and promotes sustainable learning that strengthens both the pupils and the entire community and makes them fit for the future.
Current situation and challenges on site
In rural areas of Ethiopia, access to education is a rare opportunity. Schools struggle with severe infrastructural deficiencies: lack of electricity, inadequate water supply and limited resources. Teachers work under difficult conditions with low salaries, making it difficult to attract and retain qualified staff in the long term. This project aims to break this vicious cycle by creating a stable, sustainable and supportive learning environment that benefits not only the students but also the community.
Challenges of the location
The school is being built in an underserved rural region where access to education for many children is made difficult by long distances and a lack of infrastructure. The agricultural conditions also pose a challenge, but the fertile land and high rainfall make the location an ideal place for agricultural learning and sustainable development
"Education knows no borders - it grows where courage and hope come together."
The planned school and the educational program
The campus will not only offer modern classrooms and safe accommodation, but also practical learning areas in agriculture, crafts and modern technologies such as computer work and library. Art, music and sports will also be integral parts of the program to holistically nurture students and develop their creative and physical skills. Students will learn the skills they need to work in different sectors of rural development. This includes both traditional skills and modern trades to provide students with a broad and future-proof education.
Legde
10. football court
11. Basketball Court
12. Marching Area
13. Teachers Lounge
14. Labortatory
15. Parking
16. Existing
17. Demolished
18. Entrance
Legend
1. library
2. Hall
3. Classroom Type 1
4. Classroom Type 2
5. Open Air Class Room
6. Farm for Vegetables
7. Farm for Fruits
8. Admin Office
9. VIP* Toilet
* Ventilated Improved Pit
"A village without elders is like a tree without roots."
How the school and the community benefit
This holistic education will enable students to actively contribute to the development of their region while developing into confident and well-rounded individuals. The school will also generate income through its agricultural and craft programs, which will be reinvested in expanding educational resources and supporting the local community. Self-sufficiency is a key component of the project.
Campus and program details
The agricultural fields on campus will not only provide food for the students, but also serve as a model for sustainable agriculture in the region. Surplus yields from agriculture will be used to finance additional resources. In addition, jobs will be created and the community will be actively involved in the development of the project.
UPDATES
UPDATE December 2025
Annual review and outlook
2025 was a year of transformation for the school project in Gereba. The focus shifted noticeably from pure construction to the first actual use of the infrastructure. At the same time, the year was marked by challenges that required patience, cooperation, and trust.
A major setback was the severe landslide in August, triggered by heavy rainfall. The access road was impassable for several months, bringing all transport of materials and vehicles to a standstill. Although the resources were available, the project was halted for around four months – solely due to lack of accessibility. It was only after the end of the rainy season that the mayor and local authorities were able to repair the road and safely reopen it. This moment made it clear that the project is not being carried out in isolation, but is firmly anchored in local responsibility.
In December, the president of the foundation, Desta Kebede, visited the site in person. The visit clearly showed how much the school grounds have developed despite the delays. For the first time, a coherent, functioning school infrastructure is visible. The atmosphere on site was characterized by gratitude, hope, and the conviction that this place will change lives in the long term. This was symbolized by the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony prepared by the teachers and the warm welcome from the students.
Construction progress – The school is taking shape
Since the start of the project, it has been clear that sustainable education requires stable, functional, and long-term infrastructure. Despite the interruption caused by the landslide, significant milestones were achieved in 2025. The following have been completed or are nearing completion:
a two-story library building
four new classrooms
a double classroom
A spacious open classroom for flexible learning formats
the renovation of two existing school buildings
a completely new compost toilet block
a guest and teacher house with four rooms
an additional house for project management and coordination
These buildings have created a clearly structured school environment for the first time, facilitating learning, exchange, and development.
The next steps – From buildings to programs
With the construction of the infrastructure largely complete, attention is now turning to the heart of the vision: the educational programs. Over the coming months, programs will be developed in the areas of IT, entrepreneurship, permaculture, and practical crafts. The aim is not only to provide young people with theoretical training, but also to equip them with concrete skills for a self-determined life.
The school garden will be a central component. It has three clear objectives: to supply the school with food, to teach practical agricultural skills, and to generate income for the school's operations.
At the same time, two essential systems are being implemented: a solar power system to provide a stable power supply for the IT room, lighting, and security, as well as water treatment and reservoirs for hygiene, gardening, and long-term supply. This will make school operations independent, reliable, and expandable.
We are also in the final stages of selecting a project manager who will live on site permanently from 2026 and oversee the project on a daily basis. Their responsibilities will include coordinating all programs, supporting teachers, establishing and maintaining the school garden, and liaising between the school, the village, the authorities, and the foundation. This step marks the transition to a phase of continuous growth.
Thank you – Giving the gift of a shared future
What happens in Gereba is only possible thanks to the support of many dedicated people. Every contribution goes directly to education, infrastructure, and local programs. Investing in education strengthens an entire region—sustainably, long-term, and effectively.
It is now also possible to make donations conveniently via TWINT. Our website is also available entirely in English.
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all our supporters for accompanying us on this journey.
Sustainable furniture – bamboo as a local solution
In 2025, another important step toward sustainability was taken: for the first time, the company developed its own school furniture made from bamboo. Bamboo is abundant in the Kaffa region, grows quickly, is extremely robust, and can be processed by local craftsmen.
The first prototypes—chairs, benches, school desks, and bookshelves—are already in use. Students are currently testing them for comfort and stability. Their feedback is being incorporated directly into the final production process. The goal is to furnish the entire school with locally produced bamboo furniture in the first quarter of 2026, thereby creating sustainable value locally.
The first IT course – a historic moment
With the arrival of 30 refurbished laptops—a generous donation—a new chapter began for the young people in Gereba in November. Importing the laptops into Ethiopia involved a lot of bureaucracy, additional documents, and several checks, but the process was successfully completed.
In November, the first IT course in the village's history began. Around 20 students, both girls and boys, took part. For many, it was the first time they had created a document, saved files, or searched the internet. This moment was palpable for the entire community: digital education is no longer a thing of the future—it has become part of everyday life.
UPDATE May 2025
Progress Construction update School project Gereba
The President of the Foundation, Desta Kebede, was personally on site in Gereba, Ethiopia, at the end of May 2025 to see the progress of the school project for himself. The developments on the ground are encouraging and clearly show that our joint commitment is bearing concrete fruit.
The shell of the two-story library has now been completed. In addition, four single classrooms and one double classroom have been built. Another classroom with an open structure has also been built and will be used for flexible learning formats in the future. The first teacher's house is already in place, as is a toilet block for the students. A second toilet block is already being planned to meet future demand. At the same time, we are working on practical solutions for rainwater collection and drinking water treatment—two key elements for a functioning and sustainable school. Clarifications and initial technical implementations are planned for the coming weeks.
Another current focus is on procuring school desks. We are placing particular emphasis on quality, stability, and durability—and are currently reviewing several offers and designs to ensure that all classrooms are equipped appropriately. The issue of energy supply has also been addressed: the site has been technically assessed, and it appears that a solar energy system is the most suitable solution for the location. We are now in the process of obtaining quotes and selecting a system that meets the school's needs.
The visit showed once again how important this project is for the region - and how much hope, dynamism and responsibility it holds. With each completed part of the building, not only the school grows, but also a vision: to enable education in an environment that is based on sustainability, community and personal responsibility.
We would like to thank everyone who has helped make this project possible.
