|
|
|
2 |
Information about Alito is a district located at about 150 Km North of Mattu, the main town of Illubabor, and a centre of the Illubabor Bethel Synod. Illubabor Bethel Synod has been operating in this area since 1995 and at this time there are some 20 congregations (Churches) and a number of outreach centers. The total population of the district is estimated at about 50,000, of which over 98 percent are farmers who depend on subsistence farm. Illiteracy is the main social problem in the area. In a rough estimation, literacy level of the district would be below 5 percent. School enrolment is also too low. Poverty and inaccessibility to schools are among the many factors that are causing this situation. At the moment, there are a number of primary schools within the villages of Alito, but children have to go to another area after completion of primary school ( grade 6 ). The only junior and secondary school ( both together) available for the whole district is located at a town called Dabaso, main town of Alito. For some it takes a day or two ( walking ) to get to the town. Therefore, most children quite school for reasons either that parents are unable to support them at school or the children are orphan. Most of all, Lack of accommodation or inability to rent a house is one big problem. Yet, some well-to- do farmers are able to send their children to such places while children that belong to poor families or who are orphans have no choices other than quitting school. In response to this situation, Congregations of Alito Parish ( 20 churches) have been making efforts to support those children that go to Junior or high school by providing them food items and some financial support for school materials. This is now becoming customary in the whole Synod that groups of congregations are formed to support poor children at school. What they do is simply to contribute grains and cereals ( farmers ) and children will be taught how to cook and feed themselves. However, for this to happen there must be a home where the children could stay during school times. Some presbyteries of the Synod have been able to build Low Cost homes ( we call it shelter ), either entirely by themselves or by partial support from partners. Alito parish is now looking for such support to build a low cost home at Dabaso town. At this stage it is aimed to build a small house that can accommodate some 30 children ( in three small rooms two for boys and one for girls: (girls are fewer than boys). The total project might cost some 20,000 Ethiopian Birr ( a little over US $ 2000). Congregations will contribute locally available construction materials and labor and that reduces the amount of cash that is required. That is, they need financial support to cover skilled labor cost and to purchase manufactured items such as roofing metals, nails and cement. I believe and pray that you may be part of this ministry that aims at making differences in the life of our little ones. Thank you for considering to be of support and doing this in the name our savior lord. Yonas Yigezu.
|
2 |
Funded by donations from members of the
Shenandoah Presbytery.
|
2 | ||
| |
|
|
|
|
|
||