Uplifting children in Ethiopia through education

Who we are

Registered Charity Number: 1208817

ENAT Pre-School Education Project (EPSEP) is a dedicated charity committed to improving access to quality pre-school education for disadvantaged children in Ethiopia. Our mission is to lay a strong educational foundation for every child, ensuring they have the best start in life.

Tibebu Tekle is the visionary founder of ENAT. Born in the slums of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Tibebu experienced firsthand the challenges of growing up in an environment with limited access to quality education. He sought refuge in the UK in 2014. Now a dedicated professional in London, Tibebu has worked with the Refugee Council and other support organisations, leveraging his experience to assist and uplift displaced individuals.

What We're Doing

1. Sponsorship Programs: Providing educational materials and support to underprivileged children.

2. Supporting Government Pre-Schools: Assisting existing pre-schools to expand and enhance their programs.

3. Building New Pre-Schools: Establishing pre-schools in areas where none currently exist.

4. Family Support Schemes: Enhancing parental involvement and improving learning at home through targeted family support.

5. Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns: Raising public and governmental support for early childhood education.

6. After-School Centres: Offering enrichment activities and nutritious meals through after-school programs.

Our Focus and Our Crowdfunding Campaign

ENAT prioritises disadvantaged areas, working in tandem with government initiatives to ensure comprehensive support. Our ultimate goal is to provide every child with access to quality pre-school education, forming a robust foundation for their future.

1. Supplying School Uniforms: Ensuring every child has a proper school uniform to foster a sense of belonging and equality among peers.

2. Providing Shoes and Bags: Equipping children with durable shoes and school bags, essential for their daily journey to and from school.

3. Educational Materials: Supplying necessary learning materials, including books, stationery, and educational tools to enhance their learning experience.

The Challenge

In response to national policy reforms on early childhood education, Ethiopia saw the enrolment rate rise from 5% in 2010 to 46% in 2016 (JH Kim, BH Hailu, PM Rose et al., 2021). By 2020, Ethiopia aimed for:

• Universal Access: Every child to receive at least one year of pre-primary education (0-class).
• 80% Enrolment: Targeting 80% enrolment of 4-6-year-olds (MOE, 2015).

Despite this progress, the gross enrolment ratio was only 47% in 2019/20. The breakdown of pre-primary education attendance in 2019/20 was:

• 11% attended kindergarten.
• 30% attended O-Class.
• 6% participated in child-to-child programs (Rossiter et al., 2018).

Addressing Inequality

Ethiopia’s expansion in pre-school education, though significant, has not been equitable. Disparities persist based on:

• Location: Rural areas lag behind urban centres.
• Gender: Girls have less access compared to boys.
• Age: Coverage varies among 4, 5, and 6-year-olds.
• Socioeconomic Background: Children from poorer families face greater barriers.

These inequalities hinder Ethiopia’s progress towards achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal of quality pre-school education for all.

Overcoming Quality Challenges

In addition to access, the quality of pre-school education faces several challenges:

• Teacher Shortages: A lack of trained facilitators and teachers limits program effectiveness.
• Limited Resources: Insufficient curriculum materials, classrooms, learning aids, and playgrounds impede quality education.
• Teacher Compensation: Low pay discourages qualified teachers from entering the field.

These issues particularly affect the critical one-year "0-class" program for 6-year-olds, preventing it from providing the best possible learning environment.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Your support can help bridge these gaps and ensure that every child in Ethiopia has access to quality pre-school education. Together, we can build a brighter future for the next generation.

Donate Today and Help Us Transform Lives

Rewards

Our Ethiopian Spotify playlist

We've got some amazing music for you to listen to from some of the greatest Ethiopian musicians ever recorded!

Our Ethiopian Digital Recipe Booklet

We've got 5 delicious Ethiopian recipes for you to enjoy with your friends and family