The school situation in the town of Ziway is inadequate, and many children simply do not have the opportunity to attend school at any level or in any facility. The government schools are overcrowded with up to 75 students per classroom. Private schools tend to be somewhat better, but usually have at least 40-50 students per classroom. Whether private or public, the schools are lacking in even the basics. Students must share textbooks and cannot take their textbooks home. Even standard items such as chalk and pencils are in short supply and must be severely rationed.

The parents and students recognize the value of a good education, realizing that an education is critical to their obtaining good employment and providing for themselves and their families.

The Meserete Kristos Church we are working with had an established school which included Nursery school, Lower Kindergarten, Upper Kindergarten, and grades one through four. The resources and space were limited in the two rows of mud constructed classrooms, and the class size averaged about 45 students.

Because of the clear need, the connection with the church school, and the realization that this was excellent way to serve the community and teach children about Jesus, Misgana Ministries made the construction of a new primary school a priority. Partnering with Lifesong for Orphans helped make this dream a reality, and on September 15, 2010, the beautiful new Lifesong-Meserete Kristos Primary School opened its doors in time for the new school year, enrolling 194 students in grades one to five. We plan to add one grade level per year at least through grade eight.

For the 2011-12 school year we have added sixth grade. This meant that first grade had to be moved to another campus, since there are only five classrooms available as a result of this first phase of construction. But those first graders will still have excellent instruction in top-notch facilities, including a feeding program.

The first phase of the new school included a high quality construction with good ventilation, lighting, and new, sturdy desks and furniture. Each classroom boasts a blackboard, whiteboard, bulletin board, and charts and posters for class display—all of which are luxuries here. We also have a small library, thanks to generous donations from American students, and hope to eventually have a computer room and other facilities. In addition to the classroom building, the school compound includes a dining facility for the feeding program, a playground, and a soccer field.

The new school is extremely attractive to the community, and we have more students applying than we can enroll. Parents continue to plead for their children to be accepted, and it is difficult to turn so many away, especially when their needs are so great. Currently, we are the only school that also offers a feeding program, providing a nutritious and filling breakfast and lunch each day for around 25 cents a day per student. In such a poor community, these meals are a tremendous benefit. Students’ bodies and minds are nourished here, and we spiritually feed them with Bible verse memorization and teaching.

We are currently planning phase two of the school construction.

The Times Bulletin printed this article about Ginny's volunteer experience here at the Ziway school.

New primary school. From left to right are the director's office, staff room, library, and classrooms for grades one through five. 

Students playing during recess. 

Fifth grade students and teacher. 

Fourth grade lesson on personal health and hygiene. 

Physical education class on the soccer field. In the background are two water tanks: one from our well for watering plants and the latrines. The other is for city water for food preparation and hand washing