Yay!

It is that time of the year, schools are reopened in Ethiopia. As children meet once again after summer break, school compounds begin to be filled with children’s laughter, singing, and shouting with joy. A school is the best place for children. It is an important part of their lives. And learning gives them hope for the future.

Every child has the right to quality education and schools provide them with the chance to interact and gain knowledge. As schools are reopening in Ethiopia, we joined children and their teachers to get their reaction about getting back to school.

I got up early today. My mother told me to get ready for school. But I continued playing with my toy car. Then, she called me again to dress up. I sometimes make trouble because I love to play a lot. But my mother knows that.  I quickly change my clothes, wash my hands and eat breakfast. My mother brought me and my sister to school. I met my friends here, so excited to see them again. We are now in grade two. If children cannot learn, they cannot be what they want to become.  So, schools are important. When I grow up, I want to be a pilot. There are many big plans flying over our school every day. I want to ‘drive’ one of them.

Zeamanuel Wondimu, 8

The first day at school feels great. I spent my break reading about astronomy. I have always been excited about stars and the universe. My parents bought me books about astronomy. My dream is to become an astronaut and explore space. School is a place where we dream about many things and I am glad that I already know my dream. My favorite subject is physics. I want every child to get access to education. No child should be left out. 

Beamlak Wondwossen, 14  

I heard about school reopening day on TV. Me and my siblings came to school today. Yesterday, I got my hair done and make my uniforms ready.  Children need to get ready for school every day. It is not good to be late. I am so excited to meet my best friends, Yonas, Hayat, and Julem today. We will play during break time. I love playing with them. I am so happy we are back to school.  When children learn, they will be in a good place in the future. For me, a school is a place where we gain knowledge.

Jitu Abebe, 8

I am so happy that we started class today. We had plenty of time to relax during our break. I am also happy to meet my friends and my teachers. The first day of school is great but I am also a little nervous to meet new students who joined our class. I am a bit shy, I guess. In school, we know what we didn’t know before. I love math. I am good at it.

Hiyab Moges, 13

I joined this school last year. This is my second year, and I am so happy to be back in school. This year I will be taking the grade 8 national exam.  I need to work hard. My favorite subject is chemistry. My dream is to become an engineer. A school is not only a place where we learn; it is also where we shape our future. When children miss out on education, they also miss out on their future.

Mekdes Mitiku, 14

Every year, the first day of school is exciting. We get to see our students again. We can see their change and they all grew up so fast. We receive them with a warm welcome and ask them how they spent their break time. I am happy to be a teacher. It is such a blessing to invest in the children’s future. I also learn a lot from them. Children really love and trust their teachers.  And I always make sure that I listened to their concerns.

Berehane Gadissa, teacher

The first day of school is not only exciting for students but it is also a happy moment for us teachers. We make every effort to make every student comfortable. Many students come from families who are struggling to provide the basics. School is where we build the future of our students, and I am happy to be part of that journey.

Adey Eshetu, teacher