Stay connected, informed, and inspired.Your partnership is helping to transform the lives of countless men, women and children in Ethiopia. Stay up to date on the inspiring work being done, as it happens, directly from the field.
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2023: A Year in ReviewRead how your support has made an impact in the lives of many this past year. We are overjoyed to share these stories of change with you, as they are only possible because you faithfully support this work.
Because of you, those in extreme poverty are defying the odds. 
Stories of Impact: Because of YouWe invite you to read how your support is changing the social fabric of community systems.
We are overjoyed to share these stories of change with you, as they are only possible because you faithfully support this work. Because of you, healing, dignity and freedom are possible.
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Archive2022: A Year in Review
2021: A Year in Review
2020: A Year in Review
2019: A Year in Review
2018: A Year in Review
2017: A Year in Review
2016: A Year in Review
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Updates from the Field
The stories below highlight the most recent ways your support is making a difference and transforming communities.
Connection and refreshment at staff retreat
Last month our Ethiopia staff team participated in their first quarterly staff retreat for a time of refreshment and connection. These retreats provided critical refreshment, encouragement, and connection, during a challenging time in Ethiopia. In addition to their full-time duties, our staff are battling rising costs, gas lines of 3-5 hours, and frequent power cuts.
While together, the team reflected on the mission and motivation that grounds us in our work, as we strive to see each person live in their God-given freedom and identity.
Thank you for making this day possible through your support. We believe that caring for our staff is critically important, as they serve on the front lines of extreme poverty and suffering.
Read more
Last month our Ethiopia staff team participated in their first quarterly staff retreat for a time of refreshment and connection. These retreats provided critical refreshment, encouragement, and connection, during a challenging time in Ethiopia. In addition to their full-time duties, our staff are battling rising costs, gas lines of 3-5 hours, and frequent power cuts.
While together, the team reflected on the mission and motivation that grounds us in our work, as we strive to see each person live in their God-given freedom and identity.
Thank you for making this day possible through your support. We believe that caring for our staff is critically important, as they serve on the front lines of extreme poverty and suffering.
Read more
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Savings groups are giving families a reason to hope again
Last year, we asked for your help to expand enrollment of our savings groups program to 160 additional families who were desperately in need of a lifeline to feed, clothe, and educate their children. Because of your generosity, we are excited to share that we have begun enrollment of these new families into the program, with a target of 386 total members enrolled by the end of this year. These women are building their own financial freedom. Through their leadership, they will catalyze change in these communities and breaking cycles of generational poverty, one family at a time. Thank you for responding to this need and for making this impact possible. Read more |
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A new pathway towards English language for students is a gateway out of poverty
Last month, our April volunteer team traveled to Ethiopia to conduct an English language learning camp at the Babogaya Primary School. For children in our project area, learning English would be completely unattainable without our school, which is the only school that offers Kindergarten and grades 5-8 in the wider region. English language literacy is crucial for students in Ethiopia because their national exams at the secondary school level require English competency. Our staff are creating strategies for English language instruction to fill this critical need. If you supported this volunteer team through giving or sent vital resources for this program, we thank you for making this possible. Together, we are providing access to high quality education for children without other options. Read more |
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School clubs enrich health
Education breaks cycles of poverty. Students, during their formative years, spend a significant amount of time in school. It's during this time that they engage in various activities, including sports and outdoor exercises. However, it's the student clubs that genuinely enrich their educational journey. To date, 326 students participate in after-school clubs at the Babogaya Primary School. Last month, the Red Cross and Anti-HIV Clubs organized training on first aid with over 30 students and staff members in attendance. Activities and events like these support growth and education in the community and increase community participation in school life. Your generous support makes these clubs possible as we help students to build flourishing futures for themselves and their families. Read more |
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Our 2023 Year in Review is here!
See what you made possible last year! As we conclude the current 3-year cycle, we stand on the brink of change. Ethiopia has withstood massive setbacks in recent years, from war to the COVID pandemic, to famine, and still today, a struggling economy. Yet in the fact of these changes, we are adapting and preparing the soil of our work for new growth. We invite you to check out our 2023: Year in Review to celebrate what we achieved, both as an organization and for the communities we serve. Your generosity is the collective force fueling growth and flourishing for hundreds of families. Thank you for investing in the lives of those fighting for freedom from extreme poverty and suffering. Read more |
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Genet's story: Preventing child marriage through education
Our school is intervening to protect girls. The positive outcomes of educating a child extend far beyond knowledge and skills. In the communities where we work, there is a direct correlation between a girls' years of school and her likelihood to be married under the age of 18. At our June training, Genet, a Grade 4 teacher at our school, shared about her duty to protect girls from child marriage. Our commitment to sustainability compels us to work with communities to change harmful attitudes and practices while ensuring that children are protected according to the law. When you support our school, you are making child protection possible. Thank you so much. Read more |
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Welcome to our newest Board Member!
We are overjoyed to introduce Kye Mitchell and welcome her to our Board of Directors! Kye is a COO, Advisor, and Board Member with deep expertise in technology, professional services, and human capital solutions. Over the past 30 years, she has worked with mature organizations and startups and developed a reputation for driving consistent, profitable revenue growth. Please join us in welcoming Kye! Read more |
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Meet our newest Ethiopian staff!
We are overjoyed to introduce our new Director of Operations in Ethiopia, Betty Kiros, and our new Finance Manager, Eyerusalem Ketema. Betty was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. With an educational background in language studies and social work, she has worked in several positions in different organizations for the last 15 years. Eyerusalem grew up in Haramaya, Eastern Ethiopia. She has been working in the finance sector for the past six years. Please join us in welcoming Betty and Eyerusalem! Read more |
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"I was honored to educate so many amazing women..."
In October 2023, our medical volunteer team supported our staff as we began training for our new health program, called the Care Group Model. This program empowers community volunteers through training on critical health knowledge so that they can educate their neighbors. Care Groups are a proven and powerful model to improve hygiene and nutrition practices while decreasing spread of preventable diseases and child mortality rates. One volunteer team member shares that seeing "the drive and ambition to learn and create, not only for generational change but for lasting community change, is so inspiring." Read more |
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Your impact in 2023 -- See what you've made possible this year!
As we reflect on 2023, we want to celebrate the work you have made possible and thank you for investing in the lives of those fighting for freedom from extreme poverty and suffering. We hope you can be uplifted by how much you made possible. Read more |
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Meet our new Ethiopia Project Manager, Yared Wotene!
We are overjoyed to introduce our new Project Manager in Ethiopia, Yared Wotene! Yared grew up in Bishoftu town, an hour's drive Addis Ababa. He served World Vision Ethiopia for most of his humanitarian and development career, holding different responsibilities in various parts of Ethiopia. While studying in Malta, he co-founded Hal Far Outreach - a voluntary humanitarian organization. Yared joins Three Roots to provide strong leadership to our project team, ensuring program excellence. Please join us in welcoming Yared! Read more |
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Welcome, Jerry Bowman, to our Board of Directors!
Jerry Bowman has more than 30 years of experience in association and nonprofit management, partnership development, and strategy development. Jerry's diligence and hard work is valuable, and he is excited to be joining a talent Board to continue the mission of life-changing work in communities in Ethiopia. Please join us in welcoming Jerry Bowman! Read more |
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A Bright Future for Ketema
Early in their marriage, Ketema and Askele struggled to break the harmful patterns they endured growing up. Their 3 children gave them hope for sowing a different future, but the crushing pressure of poverty bore down on the family, causing stress and anxiety. Having joined Three Roots programs, Ketema and Askele are improving their lives for the better. Read more |
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Celebrating Success at School!
Today, we are celebrating an incredible milestone for the Babogaya Primary School. All schools in Ethiopia are ranked levels 1-4, with 4 being the highest. The Bureau of Education recently awarded our school a ranking of level 3, which is a significant accomplishment in raising the level of quality at the school! The teachers and Ethiopia staff have worked hard to make incredible improvements to the school. Read more |
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Welcoming Dr. Natoya Coleman!
We are overjoyed to introduce Dr. Natoya Coleman and welcome her to our Board of Directors! Dr. Coleman is an energetic and compassionate leader focused on diversity and equity in education and organizations. She is excited to join our Board and to advance the mission of transformative change in communities across Ethiopia. As Three Roots grows, we are striving to cultivate a Board that is passionate, diverse, and multi-faceted in expertise. Read more |
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A Walk through Emanesh's Fields
Our Board of Directors visited Emanesh in October. Sitting against her brightly painted wall, she invited us into her home, where we laughed, reflected together, and learned her story. Born in a rural community, Emanesh was never sent to school and had no functional literacy or marketable skills. She told us that the turning point out of hopelessness and loss was joining her savings group and attending parenting training. Read more |
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Jemanesh's Story
Jemanesh is a woman on a mission. She is a mother, friend, leader, trainer, and expert basket-maker. Jemanesh is one of 8 lead trainers in our new vocational skills program, where women are creating beautiful handmade ornaments and learning transferable skills to take into dignified employment. Read more |
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Your Generosity at Work!
As we reflect on 2022, we want to celebrate the work you have made possible and thank you for investing in the lives of those fighting for freedom from extreme poverty and suffering. We hope you can be uplifted by how much you made possible. Click on the link below for some of the highlights of your impact! Read more |
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The Power of Savings Groups to Bring Dignity and Hope.
With their only income generated by seasonal small farming, Weynishet and her husband were struggling to meet the needs of their 7 children. The local Community Development Committee identified her family as vulnerable, and Weynishet was invited to join a Three Roots saving group. Read more |
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Forging a New Future Through Small Businesses.
Yeshiwareg lives with her husband and four children in a rural community in Ethiopia. Prior to joining a Three Roots savings group, her family’s only source of revenue was from day-to-day labor, which was unpredictable and insufficient to meet the family’s daily expenses. Read more |
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Handmade Dolls Increase Earnings for Women
Last month, a small team of volunteers spent time with women in our partner community, training them on a special project that teaches new skills and diversifies their income. The women learned how to make beautiful, handmade dolls that they can sell to increase their household earnings. Read more |
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A Father's Transformation Brings Hope to His Family
Tamiru lives with his wife and three sons in one of our partner communities. Before becoming involved with Three Roots, their means of income was generated solely from his wife’s small business, which was unable to cover their daily family expenditure. Tamiru drank alcohol daily and was unable to contribute support to his family. Read more |
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A Vehicle is On Its Way!
We are delighted to share that your faithful support has helped Three Roots purchase its first all-terrain vehicle to help us reach families in deepest need! We have signed the contract, submitted our first payment, and a new Toyota Hilux is expected to arrive from the neighboring country of Djibouti in the next few weeks. Read more |
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Asheti Found Dignity and Security
Dignity and security has not always come easily for Asheti and her family. As parents to four young children, Asheti and her husband did not earn enough income to cover the costs of daily living. But after joining a Three Roots savings group, Asheti learned vital financial skills that have enabled her to save money and create a sustainable business from chickpea and tomato farming. Read more |
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Using Sheep to Transform Households
Food insecurity in Ethiopia, especially in rural households, is a major threat to a family’s well-being. It is estimated that household food insecurity increased by at least 11.7% just after the onset of the pandemic, and it continues to persist today (International Food Policy Research Institute, 2021). Read more |
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After-School Girls' Club Welcomes New Facilitators
In Ethiopia, 1 in 3 women experience physical, emotional or sexual violence, and only half of girls who enroll in primary schools remain in school until fifth grade (USAID, December 2020). With this at the forefront of our minds, we are excited to welcome 6 new facilitators for our after-school Girls' Club groups! Read more |
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Welcome to Our Newest Board Member!
Please join us in welcoming Lori Cress to our Board of Directors! As Three Roots grows, we are striving to cultivate a Board that is passionate, diverse, and with varying expertise. Lori is the Executive Director responsible for leading the field operations for KPMG's 58 offices throughout the Western half of the U.S. Read more |
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Read How Eftu's Future is Brighter Than Ever!
Meet Eftu. A widow living in the far reaches of town, Eftu was struggling to provide for her family. Eftu, her six children, and her grandfather were often forced to skip meals or go without food because her income from daily labor work was not sufficient to meet her family’s needs. She owned a bit of farm land, but did not have the resources in order to cultivate it. Discouraged and exhausted, Eftu felt as though she had lost all hope. Read more |
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Meet the Newest Members of Our Ethiopia Team!
Our growth over the past six years has been tremendous. We recently opened our first office in Addis Ababa and are now excited to share that we have also filled four new positions to strengthen our operations abroad. A rigorous search was conducted to expand our team. After posting our job vacancies, we received over 1,200 applications! Read more |
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Shewaye is Moving From Hardship to Hope!
Progress is being made, and hope is rising! Soon, even more women, like Shewaye, will have the opportunity to build financial savings and find dignified work through small business creation. Our recent campaign to celebrate our 5th birthday raised $6,940 to launch 10 new savings groups. We are thrilled to share that the formation of these groups is officially underway! Read more |
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Hope is Still Rising Despite COVID-19!
There have been many times this past year when celebration has been difficult. The strain of COVID-19 has been heavy and long-winded for individuals, families, and communities around the world. Despite these risks, and in the face of political and economic stability, we want to share our profound gratitude for the remarkable ways Three Roots, and our beneficiaries, have weathered these uncertain times. Read more |
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Three Roots Launches 3-Year Plan for Work & Expansion!
Our project moves onward! This past February our in-country team held a special event to launch the next 3-year plan for our project work and expansion. At this celebration, our team hosted key community leaders and 25 stakeholders from several ministries of government. Read more |
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Radio Education is Making an Impact!
Last year, we came to you with an urgent request to help fund a radio program for the purpose of maintaining education for students through the pandemic. As a result, we were able to send 80 solar-powered radios to the school in our partner community. It is monumental to see these children continuing their learning even through the pandemic! Read more |
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Pledge Your Birthday and Make a Life-Changing Difference!
Birthdays are a time for celebration and reflection, but they can also be an amazing opportunity to give back. This year, celebrate your birthday by making a difference in the lives of those living in extreme poverty. Instead of gifts, ask for donations and help bring freedom and hope to those that need it most. Read more |
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School's Back in Session!
As the new year begins to unfold, so does a new season for the children in our partner communities. We are excited to share that after many months, the children have returned to in-person schooling! Because of COVID-19, schools in Ethiopia had previously remained closed since April. The longer they remained closed, the greater the risk that educational disparities would grow and lead to catastrophic consequences for students living in extreme poverty. Read more |
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Persevering in Hope
Despite the challenges of this year, our work continues! Our team is on the ground in our project areas, actively moving our efforts forward. Their faithful dedication is inspiring and a daily reminder of how important it is for us to maintain our ground and push onward. Learn more about how we are working diligently to provide the community with the access and resources they need. Read more |
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Strengthening Marriages & Families
Strong families raise strong children. This simple, yet bold belief served as the foundation for a new training recently piloted by our team alongside members of the Community Development Committee (CDC). During the training, parents were taught strategies for improving their communication, with an emphasis on ways to protect, preserve and strengthen their marriage and family. Read more |
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Take the Leap: Join a Three Roots Volunteer Team!
A new year means new places to travel, new ways to stretch your potential and new ways to give back. Our volunteer teams offer the opportunity to accomplish all of these things, and much more, in a single trip. Read more |
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Take A Look Back And Celebrate Your Impact!
The Christmas season is a time to not only rejoice but to also reflect upon the accomplishments and milestones of the previous year. In 2019, Three Roots saw significant growth, not only in our programs but also in our impact, because of your ongoing support and commitment. Our hope is that you know the difference you are making in the lives of so many. Read more |
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Our Largest Volunteer Team Ever Provides Direct Medical Care To Over 600 People!
Last month, Three Roots sent its largest volunteer team ever to Ethiopia to provide direct medical care to those in need. This team, building upon the knowledge and experience learned from last year’s inaugural medical team, set up a mobile medical clinic near our project communities. Read more |
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Three Roots Celebrates Model Families Who Are Creating Positive Change.
It has been said that “a rising tide lifts all boats”. This is critical to community transformation: as families adopt new behaviors and mindsets, they influence their neighbors and create positive change around them. Three Roots is harnessing this influence by recognizing "model families" in the community who are making positive changes and inspiring others to do the same. Read more |
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Three Roots Applies for a Charitable License in Ethiopia!
As we close out the final year of this partnership, one of our strategic priorities for the future is to secure International Charitable Licensure from the Government of Ethiopia. Licensure will allow Three Roots to operate independently and will provide us with the autonomy needed to expand and strengthen our programs in full alignment with our mission. Read more |
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Virginia High School Students Help Children in Ethiopia.
Despite a distance of over 7,000 miles, pre-calculus students from Rock Ridge high school, in Loudoun County, Virginia invested hours of their time and talent to design and publish coloring books for the students in the community school. Read more |
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Inaugural Training for Young Adult Girls Brings Empowerment and Hope.
This past April, the nine women on our Spring volunteer team, conducted the first-ever training for 30 young adult girls in our focus community. Team members gave lessons on health and hygiene, resilience, empowerment and the importance of self-care. Read more |
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Photos from the new thriving Kindergarten program!
Researchers have estimated that 90% of a child's brain development occurs by the age of five. Because of this, early childhood development is vital for creating a better, more successful future for children living in extreme poverty. A kindergarten program helps maximize early childhood development and offers children access to the nurturing they need to get the best start in life. Read more |
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2018: This is what you made possible!
Because of you, 2018 was a year of immense growth. The lives of those living in extreme poverty are improving, and a brighter future has become tangible. We are inspired by what you have made possible and give great thanks for your support. Read more |
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Weaving Baskets, Creating Hope.
Many of the women in savings groups have chosen basket-weaving as a source of income for their family. Each hand woven basket is not only a symbol of hope for the family, but it also shows their commitment to finding freedom from extreme poverty. Read more |
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First-Ever Medical Volunteer Team Brings Healthcare to Those in Need.
Just a few weeks ago, twelve team members, including six nurses and two physicians traveled over 7,000 miles to bring healthcare to a community in which many had never been examined by a doctor before. The team set up a free mobile medical clinic and treated over 400 men, women, and children. Read more |
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On the Front Lines: Meet Our Country Director.
To effectively create lasting change, Three Roots relies on our in-country team to implement the daily work of our programs. At the helm of this team is our Country Director, Demissie Tilahun. Read more |
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Volunteer Teams Help Define A Better Future.
This past June, we welcomed a volunteer team of 14 dedicated individuals to serve our partner communities. Volunteers are crucial to advancing our mission, and we are so grateful that they leave their comfort zone to serve those in need. Highlights of the trip included the delivery of a Teacher Empowerment Training, running the 2nd Annual Sports Camp and registering 15 new children into our sponsorship program. Read more |
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Increasing the Odds By Reducing School Drop-out.
By restoring and preventing the closure of the local community school in 2017, we are seeing the collective mindset towards education changing and its value beginning to be realized. Instead of children dropping out of school to help farm the land or tend to livestock, families are starting to make education a priority. Read more |
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Women's Savings Groups Build Momentum.
The women’s savings groups in our focus community have taken the next step by preparing and submitting formal business plans to our social worker. The money they have saved, along with the support of generous donors, has been used to create a revolving fund to help launch the loans these women need to implement their businesses. Read more |
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Fighting Poverty through Health Promotion.
Children raised in poverty are at high risk for many health-related problems, such as malnutrition, water-borne illnesses, or other preventable disease. Without physical wellness, children are in danger of falling behind in school, which may have long-term implications for their development. Read more |
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Parenting for a Brighter Future.
Effective parenting can have lasting impact. In March, Three Roots sent a volunteer team of 13 women to provide parenting training for the mothers, fathers, and caregivers of the sponsored children. Read more |
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Celebrating a Clean 2017 Project Evaluation Report!
We are overjoyed to share that Three Roots International received a positive and encouraging project evaluation for 2017. This permission is based upon how well we comply with government regulations and how effectively we work in the community. The favor and approval we have cultivated is essential to the success of our programs. Read more |
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A Partnership With Promise.
By partnering with the Ethiopia's Ministry of Education, Three Roots was able to provide valuable training to not only the teachers at our focus school but also to leaders of schools in surrounding areas. We are so grateful to support the government's efforts to improve education and look forward to collaborating in the future. Read more |
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The School Transformation is Underway!
Last year the school was on the verge of closing its doors. This year renovations have begun to create a quality learning environment for the children in the community. The first phase of improvements have been completed, and we are excited for more changes to come! Read more |
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Hope is Rising for Ayelu and Her Community.
For Ayelu and her community, poverty has become a trap that cannot be outrun. With the help of Three Roots, Ayelu is creating a better life for herself and her family. We are writing a better story that will break generational cycles of poverty. Read more |
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One Volunteer Team. Lasting Impact.
In June, Three Roots sent 14 amazing volunteers to Ethiopia. During one week serving the local community, the team saw firsthand how hope is emerging and lives are changing. From the first-ever sports camp, to addition of 14 new children to our sponsorship program, these volunteers made a lasting impact! Read more |
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From Indiana to Ethiopia: A Volunteer Shares Her Story.
Three Roots Volunteer, Evie Champoux, traveled to Ethiopia for the first time in June 2017 as part of a team delivering vital training to dozens of teachers. She shares about her experience in this blog post and explains how leaving her comfort zone made a lasting impact on the tapestry of her life. Read more |
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Women Find Independence and Hope in Savings Groups.
Bere, a mother in our focus community, shares her experience as a newly-enrolled member of a women's savings group. These groups of 12-15 like-minded women save their money in a joint bank account and receive training on business development and financial management from the Three Roots team. Women, such as Bere, are being empowered to create a sustainable and predictable income for their families. Read more |
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First PTA Training Launches a New Day for Education!
The newly elected PTA participated in a groundbreaking training to transform the community's participation in the life of the school and success of the children. Read more |
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Sponsors Bring Hope - and Light - to their Sponsored Children.
The families in our focus communities do not have access to electricity. This means that when the sun goes down, children can no longer study or play, and mothers must cook on an open fire without light. In December, Three Roots partnered with MPOWERD to deliver a small, portable, solar-powered Luci light that works for up to 12 hours on a single charge to every sponsored family. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, these families now have the gift of light! |
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