CHENCHA ZURIA WOREDA, GAMO ZONE – July 11, 2026 – Arba Minch University's Institutional University Cooperation (AMU-IUC) Project, through its Transversal Institutional Strengthening Project (TISP-7), conducted an education awareness campaign and provided educational support to Tegecha Primary School, reaffirming the University's commitment to improving equitable access to quality education, particularly for girls, promoting gender equality, and reducing school dropout in rural communities. Click here to see more photos.
As part of the initiative, the Project recognized the top three students from each class, from Grades 1 to 8, for their outstanding academic performance. Model parents who actively support their children's education and dedicated teachers were also honored for their contributions. In addition, essential school supplies were distributed to all students to help ease financial barriers and ensure they are well prepared for the upcoming academic year.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Fasil Eshetu, AMU-IUC Project Manager, emphasized that education is not only a pathway to employment but also the foundation for personal growth, informed decision-making, and sustainable community development. Urging parents to prioritize their children's education despite economic hardships, he stressed, "Even in times of hardship, ensure that your children remain in school and continue their education." He also reaffirmed the Project's commitment to improving the school's learning environment, promoting local income-generating initiatives, expanding digital learning opportunities, and ensuring that girls and boys have equal opportunities to access and complete quality education.
Dr. Genaye Tsegaye, Leader of the TISP-7 Sub-project, said the campaign was organized following a comprehensive needs assessment that identified declining student motivation, absenteeism, school dropout, and shortages of essential learning materials as key challenges affecting the school. She noted that students often miss classes on market days and during community mourning periods, while economic hardship prevents many families from providing basic school supplies. She added that these challenges disproportionately affect girls, limiting their access to continuous education. She emphasized that the intervention was designed to raise awareness among parents, students, teachers, and community leaders, strengthen their shared commitment to education, and promote an inclusive learning environment where every child—especially girls—has the opportunity to remain in school and succeed.
Presenting the assessment findings, Bayush Tesfaye, AMU-IUC Gender and Outreach Coordinator, explained that economic pressures, limited awareness of the long-term value of education, gender-related barriers, and inadequate access to essential learning materials have contributed to poor attendance and reduced academic performance. She said the intervention combines community awareness, recognition of academic excellence, and educational support to encourage children to remain in school, while placing particular emphasis on improving girls' access to education and creating a more gender-responsive school environment.
Expressing his appreciation, Mr. Muluken Mitiku, Director of Tegecha Primary School, thanked Arba Minch University and the AMU-IUC Project for their timely intervention. He stated that the awareness campaign, recognition of outstanding students, and provision of school supplies would enhance students' motivation, strengthen parental engagement, promote equal educational opportunities for girls and boys, and significantly contribute to improving the school's teaching and learning process.
The Tegecha initiative builds on the AMU-IUC Project's successful education support interventions implemented over the past two years at Kemele Oro Primary School and Kola Shelle Secondary School. According to the project team, those interventions resulted in improved student attendance, participation, academic performance, and greater community awareness of the importance of girls' education and gender equality.
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