The Joy of Learning
A school is where childhood is formed and a future begins to take shape
After a long interruption of learning due to conflict, children in the Liben woreda (district) of the Oromia region, began to see the light. Thanks to the European Union's support, damaged classrooms have been replaced with newly built ones, and students have been provided with scholastic materials. For children in Mugayo and Dibe Adama Primary Schools, learning has become a joyful experience. We spent a day with a few of them, and here is their reaction to attending school, some of them for the first time.
“It is my first time to attend school. We started class four months ago. We learn about many things here. We also play together. When I grow up, I want to be a teacher because I want to teach many children. I would have worried too much if our school was not open.”
Liben Melicha, 12
“I like this play material because it helps me learn how to count. I feel happy to be in school with other children. Learning is good. If I learn well, I know I can be a teacher and teach other children. Our school looks great now. If this school was not here, we would have been idle.”
Adi Liben, 11
“The first thing I felt when I came to school was happiness. I felt bad when I saw other children going to school while I was looking after the cattle. Education for children is good. It helps us become good people. I also have many friends here.”
Shuba Bidu, 12
“I have attended grades 1 and 2 in one year [through the accelerated school programme] and now I am in grade 3. I ranked 1st as I was able to score good results. My parents were happy about my result. My favourite subject is maths. Education makes us good citizens.”
Derartu Kana, 12
“I am a clever student. I ranked 1st last year and I want to maintain it. Education for children is good. It helps us have a better future. Otherwise, we will continue to look after the cattle. I love learning science and when I grow up, I want to become a doctor.”
Boru Wario, 12
