Summary
Having done the local fundraising training offered by Change the Game Academy, Sebeta Blind School passed on the knowledge they acquired to the teachers and the school community. Together they made an inventory of their most pressing needs. Next they identified potential donors and decided which need to present to which possible donor. Oromia Broadcasting Network agreed to help with publicity, by producing and broadcasting a 30 minute documentary about the school. In addition, they donated some much needed dormitory equipment.
Review by Wilde Ganzen Foundation
It is quite obvious that in Ethiopia the Change the Game Academy trainings contributed to enhance the capacity of partners to diversify their funding sources. For instance, Sebeta Blind School not only approached a bank for a new motor pump and a broadcasting company for a documentary and dormitory equipment, they also mobilised construction material from Oromia education bureau and constructed six class shops for income generating activities. From rents of the shops they have able to generate 72,000 Birr and create jobs for three unemployed youth.
Details
Short description of the organisation the funds were raised for
Sebeta Blind School provides education and boarding for visually impaired children from the Oromia region, Ethiopia (Ethiopia's largest province). It's 30 kilometers far from Addis Ababa, heading southwest. It is a residential school home to about 370 blind or visually impaired children, both girls and boys. This is the only school for the blind run by the Ethiopian government and one of a few based in Ethiopia (run by churches). The school campus is located in a large wooded compound with beautiful gardens, trees, playgrounds, and courts. Each building holds about 40 kids.
Children are aged between 8 and 18. Until they pass grade 6 around the age of 14, the children live at the school and stay in the dorms; after that, they take lodgings outside the campus in the town for two more years. Most of the children group up to find a small apartment to keep the expenses within budget. Gathering and living together also help them to take care of their safety. After graduation, children can continue their education in regular high school with sighted peers. Then they can attend College.
The school provides the children with an education programme following local requirements, reading and writing braille classes. Progress starts with their ability to use computers installed in the school library. Computer skills can be life-changing for blind and visually impaired children. It gives them access to a world they would otherwise miss, helps them to compete equally with their peers when they leave school, and gives them a better chance of a truly independent life, particularly the opportunity to learn, extend their education, and social networking.
Education is crucial to give the children a better chance of truly independent life, with better opportunities to get a degree and find a job. About half the teachers are blind themselves. Many of them have been trained at the Special Needs Teachers Education College, which lies next to Sebeta Blind School. Every year it allows training for about 1000 teachers from the region.
Short description of the project or programme the funds were raised for
The procurement of dormitory equipment.
Summary of fundraising action
Based on what they learned during their Change the Game Academy local fundraising training, SBS identified possible local donors and persuaded them to support the school. Oromia Broadcasting Network (OBN), a national media organisation, donated mattresses, bedsheets and blankets for students; a contribution worth more than 80,000 ETB. In addition to this, the television channel broadcasted a short video about the school and its activities. The broadcast definitely helped the school to advance its visibility and create a stronger acquaintance with the community.
Objectives
1. To minimise the shortage of dormitory equipments.
2. To increase publicity of the school.
Targeted donors
Oromia Broadcasting Network (OBN)
Results
| Cost/benefit |
National currency (ETB |
Euro |
| Total amount raised |
180,000 |
3,330 |
| (-) Total amount invested |
0 |
0 |
| Net amount raised |
180,000 |
3,330 |
Accounting details
Oromia Broadcasting Network donated 15 mattresses, 15 blankets and 15 bedsheets, to a total value of 80,000 Birr. Moreover they produced a 30 minute documentary film for free, worth 100,000 Birr (rough estimation).
Result comments
Students are now sleeping on better mattresses with comfort, warm blankets and soft bedsheets. This results in improved activeness to attend classes and study their lessons.
