Improve Girls' Education in Ethiopia

Dear GlobalGiving and its generous Partners

On behalf of MHO and the thousands of children and families we serve, I extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support during these challenging times. Your generous contributions have not only enabled us to reach vulnerable students living in Ethiopia’s Amhara Regional State but have also empowered us to respond swiftly to the escalating educational crisis affecting children—especially girls—across crisis-impacted regions.

Context and Challenges

Ethiopia is currently experiencing a devastating convergence of crises: violent conflict, recurring droughts, and environmental disasters including landslides and locust infestations, and a deteriorating humanitarian landscape. The result has been an alarming surge in the number of out-of-school children, now reaching record levels. Tragically, 2025 is on track to mark the highest number of out-of-school children in recent history.

This situation is even direr in Amhara, where the destruction of schools, targeted attacks on educators, and displacement have critically disrupted access to education. The recent suspension of USAID’s support for Education in Emergencies programs in Ethiopia further exacerbated the already dire conditions—leaving MHO as one of the few remaining lifelines for affected children and their families.

Thanks to the incredible support of GlobalGiving and its generous partners, MHO has extended its services to thousands of girls and their families in these high-risk areas. Under the "Improve Girls' Education in Ethiopia" project, we focused on delivering comprehensive support that goes beyond the classroom During This Reporting Period MHO

• Distributed Emergency Educational Materials: Including notebooks, pens, school bags, and uniforms for over 2,000 girls in remote and conflict-affected zones.
• Provided Hygiene Kits and Reproductive Health Education: Girls received personal hygiene supplies, menstrual health education, and access to female mentors to encourage school retention.
• Launched School Meal & Transportation Subsidies: Over 1,500 girls benefited from daily school meals and transport support, significantly improving attendance and performance.
• Expanded Psychosocial and Counseling Support: Trauma-informed care and peer support groups were established to help children cope with the emotional impact of war and displacement.
• Improved Sanitation and Health Services: Provided access to clean water, emergency nutrition, and basic medical services in school-based health points.
• Economic Empowerment for Families: We facilitated small-scale income-generating activities for mothers and caregivers, recognizing that empowered women contribute directly to better education outcomes for girls.

The Road Ahead

While these achievements offer hope, the scale of need continues to grow. The ban on international education aid and the ongoing crises demand sustained engagement and innovation. MHO remains committed to reaching the most vulnerable with dignity-centered, community-driven solutions. We continue to stand strong—thanks to your partnership. Your support has transformed lives and created safe, nurturing environments for learning in places once deemed unreachable.

With heartfelt gratitude,

MHO TEAM

Note: All the photos included in this report feature actual beneficiaries of MHO, including children celebrating their birthdays as part of the joy and milestones we are able to share with them.