Spring 2025: Wogagen School
/Third classroom building rises at Wogagen School
Third classroom building under construction at the Wogagen School, Debre Birhan, Ethiopia
Despite civil unrest in Ethiopia and difficulty obtaining building materials, work has continued on the Wogagen School, an ambitious project in which AWB-Oregon has played a role since 2013.
Recently the local crew in Debre Birhan has been constructing a third classroom building designed to house four classrooms, bringing the campus total to 12. Construction methods and materials are the same as used for the second classroom building: modular interlocking blocks within reinforced concrete columns and beam frame elements.
Over the years AWB has designed a composting latrine building and the second and third classroom buildings. AWB has also advised on development of the site, which includes gardens and orchards for teaching and food production, crop areas to produce income for the school, play areas, and an irrigation system.
Eventually the Wogagen School will serve 1,000 students, grades K-8. As classrooms are built, the project sponsor, The Community Project: Ethiopia, expands the number of grade levels taught.
AWB-Oregon will continue to support the planning, design, and construction of facilities as the campus evolves. The project sponsor hopes to build a small business incubator building and a community center, as well as two more classroom buildings.
"It's been wonderful to have this long-term involvement, now over 10 years, and to support the teaching and construction teams in Ethiopia. Through challenging times, the project sponsor has maintained financial support and an unwavering commitment to children who would otherwise have very limited access to schooling," said John Blumthal who leads AWB's work for The Community Project.
This video, "First Light of the Day," from Portland-based project partner Twende Solar, provides views of the school buildings, the site, and the surrounding community.
Host an AWB meeting
After a long pause AWB-Oregon is excited to resume in-person meetings in Portland. If your firm is willing to host one of our meetings or an event, please email volunteer@awboregon.org.
Our first in-person meeting will be for the Nepal School competition, Thursday, April 17th, 6 PM at Mahlum. Find all the details here: Nepal School Project.
Thank you to our donors
Many thanks to Rod Merrick and to an anonymous donor who gave in support of AWB-Oregon in 2024. AWB-Oregon is an all-volunteer organization operating on a tiny annual budget. Your donation, whether $5 or $500, is always welcome.