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SALT LAKE CITY — The Children of Ethiopia Education Fund, founded by Utahns, opens the door for hundreds of girls to go to school in that African nation. Less than half of Ethiopian children attend school and because families must pay, most choose to send their sons.
In 2001, native Utahns, Norm and Ruthann Perdue, created the Children of Ethiopia Education Fund with the goal of supporting 400 girls a year in private schools. Kathy and Ned Searle and their children liked the idea.
"I thought it was important that we strengthen women in the world," said Ned Searle, donor and adoptive parent. "I though, ‘What a better way to make a strong woman than to give her the education she needs.'"
The Searle's chose to adopt and sponsor Kidist, a bright 7-year-old girl, and her sister Bethlehem. They remember how they felt back in 2004 when their chance of affording school was slim.
Personal Sponsorship: Provides tuition, uniform, and supplies for one student in private school for one year.
- $275 /year for sponsorship payment via Check
- $285 /year or $25 /month for Online Sponsorship payment
- Supporting Sponsorship: Provides all of the above, and also helps with medical, material and personal assistance for our students.
- $435/year or $38/month
- Sustaining Sponsorship: Provides all of the above, and also supports building projects for partner schools.
- $600/year or $52/month
- Silver Sponsorship: Provides all of the above, and also supports current and future projects at COEEF partner schools (teacher training, teacher/peer tutoring, etc.).
- $1,000/year or $86/month
- Co-Sponsorship: When combined with a 2nd sponsor, provides tuition, uniform, supplies in private school for one year, plus medical and personal assistance for COEEF students.
- $225/year or $20/month
"I can go to school there, without paying, without worrying about it and I feel like the luckiest girl, ever," said Bethlehem Searle.
This fund, says its executive director, helps prevent teenage pregnancy and cases of HIV/AIDS.
"It is the difference between life and death in a country like Ethiopia," said Dr. Sylvia McMillian, Children of Ethiopia Education Fund Executive Director. "Girls getting an education then are able to provide for themselves economically."
Bethlehem and Kidist traveled to America as members of the fund's dance troupe. The Searles fell in love and did what they have been doing for years. At the time, they had nine other children.
"I had said we won't adopt any more kids unless they landed on our doorstep," said Ned Searle.
"And they did," Kathy said. "They did."
It cost $285 a year to send Kidist and Bethlehem to school in Ethiopia, but the Searles say they receive so much more than they give.
"We wouldn't have gotten that love for that culture any other way, and they've just enriched and blessed our lives," she said.
The Children of Ethiopia Education Fund has now sent thousands of girls to school. The members believe they are paving the way for young women to rise out of poverty.
