The Ethiopian Catholic Church (ECC) Social and Development Commission and CRS laid foundation to construct four schools for South Sudanese refugees living in Kule and Terkedi camps in Gambella Regional State, Ethiopia.
An amount of about 500,000 USD is secured from ELMA Philanthropies to cover the construction and furnishing of the schools that will have 10 classrooms each. The schools are expected to serve about 4800 students.
After construction is completed Norwegian Refugee Council will be in charge of running the schools.
His Excellency Mr. Gatluak Tot Khot, president of the Gambella Regional State while speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony in Kule camp said that the Catholic Church is a partner of the Government in the region and throughout the country in terms of development.
"The schools will make a difference in the lives of the refugees; it will make the learning process for the refugees as smooth as possible. The Regional Government recognizes your efforts and I assure you of our support in this project and your other development efforts,” he said.
ECC SDCO Executive Director Rev. Fr. Hagos Hayish, C.M said that the Church always pays attention to quality education and it is on that basis that the project is launched.
“We firmly believe that education is important for the bright future of the children,” said Fr. Hagos adding that “From the moment the crisis began we have not only been praying for South Sudanese but also supporting the refugees with such various efforts.”
Just recently ECC SDCO and CRS provided 900 standard shelter tents for the refugees in the camps.
By Makeda Yohannes, ECC Communications Office
