Projects

DROP’s current project : Raselas Diversity School

In the summer of 2006, Gutteye School was demolished by a private contractor and the land the school had stood on for several years was taken for development. Gutteye, now renamed Raselas School, relocated to temporary, rented accommodation. The cost of maintaining the school in this manner is high, both financially and emotionally. The school’s owners and founders, Tsegaye Kassam and Mekdes Gelawdios support the school through their own private means and the small income from the minimal fees charged to pupils.

For now, classes continue in a rented apartment building and a small rented compound nearby. Many desks and essential equipment were lost when the school ( then named Gutteye School) was demolished. The new library which was completed in 2005 was destroyed. Now, paying rent of about NOK 5000 (USD 915 approximately) a month, paying teacher’s salaries, in addition to the prospect of securing new premises burdens a family that has already invested its entire life savings in the old school.

The aim of the school has always been to provide a quality education to children who might otherwise not be able to access mainstream education. In total, about 140 students are enrolled from kindergarten to Grade 9. There are about 15% of students who cannot afford fees and supported by the school in one way or another. Full scholarships are available for those in need. This includes students with single parents and those who are orphans. Class sizes are kept small at about 10 pupils per class. Also, Raselas aims to recruit quality teachers by paying slightly more than in state schools.

Following the demolition and relocating, Raselas School’s future is at stake.

Information adapted from:
http://volunteers.rcnuwc.no/?page_id=86
http://www.raselasdiversityschool.com/

DROP’s Vision with Raselas Diversity School

Short-term goal:
-Maintain the school with enough money to pay the rent every month (5000 NOK) to keep the school in existence.

Mid-term goal:
- Be able to pay at least one better educated teacher’s salary, so the level of education increases. Right now it is difficult to attract fully-qualified teachers due to the financial difficulties.
- Fundraise to fulfill some of the school’s needs for educational material.

Long-term goal:
-Be able to build parts of, or a whole new school building.