The Salesian Sisters arrived in the city over 20 years ago. They began working with poor children and young women. They opened a school dedicated to Mary Help of Christians which enjoys a good reputation. It helps girls to get a job through two training courses in computers and sewing. The students attend classes for two years and then must pass a national exam to receive their certificates. The missionary Sr. Aleksandra Bartoszewska is its Director.
Wojciech Zawada is a volunteer from the Salesian Mission Office in Warsaw. In 2016 he took part in a volunteer experience in support of the school. He is an electronics engineer and worked as a teacher: "in one month I taught three courses, one for teachers and two for students and graduates” says Wojciech. “It was a new experience for me, very difficult because of the education system in Ethiopia. I taught in English, while the teachers taught me Amharic. I thank God and the people who have allowed me to be a missionary volunteer in Africa."
The school does not receive financial support from the government and the monthly fee paid by students is not enough even to pay the teachers’ salaries. The school works in large part thanks to the support of benefactors.
Eighty people are registered for the computer course. To be able to give the course in a professional manner, teachers need equipment and support. They need cables, staplers, toner for the printer and at least one projector.
A good education is the only opportunity for poor youth to change their situation and to live with dignity. The missionary work in Addis Ababa is trying to achieve the necessary resources to buy equipment and serve young people so that they can build a better future.
