A holistic approach to education that improves overall quality of life in Ethiopia

Partners in Education Ethiopia (Formerly Frances G. Cosco Foundation) is a non-denominational Canadian charity registered by the Government of Alberta (No.5117735828) and the Canadian Revenue Agency (No.827187774 RR0001). It is also registered under the revised proclamation (No. 1113/2019) of the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations (No.3337) and by the State of Alaska (EIN 35-2677945). 

The mission of Partners is to improve the lives of disadvantaged people through quality, inclusive education. We follow a holistic approach to addressing the multiple barriers children and youth in poor communities face in accessing and succeeding in education. We recognize and build upon the strengths and resources of the communities we serve, with communities sharing an average of 60-80% of project costs.

We implement projects in partnership with target schools, local communities, education offices, academic institutions and other NGOs, and we continue follow up of programs for up to 5 years.

Why Ethiopia

We focus on Ethiopia because of the need, and because many of the individuals involved in Partners in Education Ethiopia have firsthand experience and knowledge of the opportunities and challenges present in the country. The Ethiopian government, with support from civil society and other development partners, has put significant effort into improvements over the past decade; however, poverty levels in the country are still among the highest in the world.

We work specifically in the Amhara Region, where the needs are high, we have supportive partners, and we feel that we can deliver results. It is also an area where we are confident that our employees, volunteers, Directors, and donors will be safe.

Focus Areas

Poor achievement in rural schools is mainly a result of very poor learning environments and very poor quality of teaching. Substandard physical infrastructure, inadequate learning materials, and health risks from lack of latrines and clean water exemplify existing school conditions. Teaching methods are typically based on a “chalk and talk” teacher-centred lecture approach, even at elementary grade levels. Studies indicate that the current focus needs to shift from number of years of school attendance to improving quality of learning: quality of education is what matters to economic development. Consequently, we have adopted a holistic approach, which addresses all of the factors that contribute to lack of access to, and lack of quality of, education in the region.

Focus areas are:

• Schools – Construction of safe, sound school structures and furnishings

• Learning- Teacher training workshops that introduce innovative, learner-based pedagogies and technologies

• WASH - Construction of latrines, bringing clean water to schools, educating students and communities on healthy hygiene practices, including Menstrual Health Management. 

• School Greening & Educational Gardening – Providing experiential learning in horticulture and earning income for the schools from sale of produce

• Eye Health - Assessing eye health in students and communities and providing eyeglasses and access to necessary disease remedies

• Interconnectivity- Bringing electricity, interconnectivity and e-learning resources to schools

• Measurement - measuring outcomes and using them to improve interventions

Learn more about our projects & programs→

Our Model

 community collaboration

 Government collaboration

partnerships

Learn More →

Implementation Framework

Communities approach Partners in Education Ethiopia with proposed projects. We assess the need, the commitment of the community as well as the school principals, and the community’s ability to contribute to the cost. Community contributions are deposited into our bank account and then sealed contractor bids are tendered and opened in a public forum. Construction begins immediately thereafter, and normally new schools are opened at the start of term in September. Teacher training, sanitation & hygiene, eye health, and greening and gardening programs follow as soon as the school is built. Outcome measurement begins at the end of the first year.

Finances

see Financial Statements