Kebedes story:
“Saware is a small village in southern Ethiopia, in the Wolayta zone. I was born there, and as a child, I had to walk long distances to school in another village, facing dangerous situations along the way—steep paths and sometimes poisonous snakes. While sitting in class, my mind was already on the long journey home, which included at least an hour of climbing uphill. I didn’t enjoy it, and as a result, I only partially listened to my teachers.
Even today, the situation in Saware has not changed. Children from Saware village still have to walk the same long distances to school as I did.
I found my own way in life – I went to the city, worked and continued my education there, and built everything on my own. Since leaving my village, it has been my dream to help children have a better life, starting with improved access to quality education – right in Saware itself. I want to give children the chance to improve their lives within their own community, in a sustainable way.
Beyond children, the most vulnerable people in Saware and similar villages are women and girls. When girls go to school and have better education, they can be empowered to shape their own future. This is why I also want to focus on girls’ education.”