Schools: More than a Building

For children, schools are vital spaces for growth. They provide foundational academic skills while nurturing curiosity and creativity. They also offer a structured social environment where children learn to make friends, cooperate, share and understand rules, laying the groundwork for emotional development and responsible citizenship. Ultimately, schools help shape children into confident, capable and well‑rounded individuals, enabling them to reach their full potential.

Through its thematic funding, UNICEF constructed the Edget Beandinet Primary School in the Sidama Region of Southern Ethiopia. The new facility includes a G+3 classroom block, an administration block and separate WASH facilities. Built at a cost of US$ 1.3 million, the school stands as a powerful testament to the strong partnership between UNICEF and the Government in delivering quality education and essential services to children.

For students of Edget Beandinet Primary School, education is more than just lessons. It is the foundation for their future. Here, they reflect on what the new school means to them and share their dreams for what they hope to become. 

For 13‑year‑old Netsanet Ayele, a determined 7th grader, education is the foundation upon which everything else is built. She sees it not only as her path to a brighter future but also as a way to support the people she loves most: her family.

"Education helps us to help our parents and build a better life," she says. "It also helps us to live a better tomorrow." Netsanet dreams of becoming a doctor, driven by a deep desire to heal others and ease their suffering. But until recently, focusing on that dream was difficult. Her school lacked basic facilities, and simple needs like clean water and safe toilets were daily challenges for her and her classmates.

That has now changed, replaced by a renewed sense of hope and possibility. “Thanks to the new facilities at my school, including clean water and proper toilets, it has made me calm and made the environment healthy. The burden of worry has been lifted, and I can focus on my education.” 

Natnael Temesgen, a 14‑year‑old 7th grader, feels a deep sense of happiness, especially for his fellow students with disabilities. He recalls how they used to struggle, but now, with improved facilities, they can move freely in their wheelchairs. To Natnael, education is the key to independence and national progress. He believes that with learning, no one has to be a burden on their country and that everyone can reach their full potential.

"If there were no education, our country would not grow," he says. "We need to fight for our destiny, to be successful." Inspired by a moment of wonder after seeing the moon on television, Natnael dreams of becoming an astronomer. His ambition is fueled by curiosity and the desire to one day see what lies beyond Earth. “I want to go to the moon one day. I am curious to see what’s out there.” 

Yeabsira Getu, a 15‑year‑old 7th grader, sees education as far more than lessons and exams. For him, it is a powerful tool to lift his country out of poverty. "Education helps us stand on our own and become independent," he explains. "When we gain knowledge, we do not have to depend on others. We can build our own future and help our nation grow."

He is especially happy for his friends with disabilities, who once faced daily challenges navigating the old compound. Now, with the new facilities, things are different. “My friends who use wheelchairs can move freely and with dignity,” he says warmly. “Before, it was difficult for them. Now they can go anywhere without help. That makes me really happy.” Driven by passion and natural talent, Yeabsira dreams of becoming an artist. For him, art is more than personal expression, it is a way to contribute something meaningful to his country. 

For 10‑year‑old Nanati Luta, learning does not stop when school ends. “When our teachers share their knowledge with us in the classroom, we take it home and teach our parents too, and they learn from us,” she explains with a smile. “And whenever we do not understand something, our teachers are always there to explain. I really love them.” Between lessons, Nanati treasures the time spent playing with friends during breaks. Her favourite subject is science, largely because she adores her science teacher. Looking ahead, she dreams of becoming a doctor. “I admire how doctors heal people,” she says. “That is what I want to do.” 

Selam Tamirat, 11, is a 4th grader who ranked 4th in her class this year. But what makes her happiest about school is simple: the toilets. “I am so happy, especially with the toilets,” she says. “Without toilets, it is really difficult to live. We can get sick too. Now we are safe and healthy.” For Selam, education paves the way for a better tomorrow and gives her the chance to support her parents. “Education brings a better tomorrow. It also helps us to support our parents. I want to reach a higher level in my education and make my parents proud,” she says.

But her dreams go even further. Selam wants to become a scientist so she can help her country discover new medicines using local solutions. “I see people trying to find medicine from abroad and suffering for it,” she shares quietly. “I want to change that. I want to help my country find its own medicines.” 

"School is the foundation of knowledge. It is my everything. I can learn and at the same time enjoy my time with my friends," says 14‑year‑old Biruktawit Tamirat with a smile. For her, school is more than a place of academic learning, it is where dreams begin to take shape. With a new field to run on, thanks to the UNICEF‑supported classrooms in her community, Biruktawit now has the space to practice and move one step closer to her goal.

"I want to become a famous athlete like Derartu Tulu," she says with conviction. Inspired by Ethiopia’s legendary runner, Biruktawit is determined to turn her passion into purpose, one lap at a time.