DEBRE ZEYIT, Ethiopia, Africa, Oct. 12 /
Christian Newswire/ -- Blessing the Children International (BCI) announces the opening of the BCI Academy in Ethiopia, Africa. With completion of the first phase of construction, the new school is initially offering grades 1st through 4th this year and will continue to expand through 12th grade with three additional construction phases over the next four years. See
Report of Phase One.
Life is hard in the world's poorest countries like Ethiopia(1); the average person lives on less than a dollar a day. Everyone may be poor, but when children lose their parents, they are often homeless and alone - the poorest of the poor. They are the un-loved of society, parentless and with no one to care for them.
"It's a land filled with poverty. When you see it firsthand, it's simply overwhelming," says Keith Strawn, President of Blessing the Children International. "But when you look into the eyes of one of these orphans and see their renewed hope... it's simply priceless."
- An Ethiopian's Average Income is $220/year.
- Only 1 in 3 adults can read.
- Only 1 of 2 children attend school(2).
The BCI Academy is bringing hope for a brighter future to many orphaned and impoverished children. Upon opening to students on September 21st, 83 children began attending the new school as ongoing registration continues for up to 112 students (the current capacity when limiting class size to 28 students). When the concept of 28 children per class was initially shared with educators in Ethiopia, it was met with surprise since most classrooms in Ethiopia are over-crowded with 60-70 children.
BCI is now searching for partners who would like to provide student scholarships for impoverished children that are hungry to learn. With just $30/month, BCI provides a child a full scholarship to attend the BCI Academy, including uniforms, exercise books, transport to and from school, and school supplies.
Donations for the school go entirely to the school, 100% being sent to Ethiopia for ministry. On average, non-profit ministries spend more than 20% of donors' gifts on overhead expenses(3). BCI also has overhead expenses, but they are paid from teams and printing, graphic design, and consulting services. Since BCI's overhead is covered from these generated revenues, every dollar donated for scholarships and the BCI Academy are sent directly to Ethiopia in their entirety.
Every penny donated for the children... goes to the children!
Mission Trips are hosted throughout the year for those interested in experiencing the ministry first hand. It's a rich experience in a country where many things are done much the same as they were hundreds of years ago.
To learn more, or to join them in caring for the poorest of the poor, contact:
Blessing the Children International
2267 Fraser Road
Kawkawlin, MI 48631
(888) 269-2719 Toll free in the U.S.A.
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