The project “Construction of an Inclusive Primary Catholic School for Children with and without Physical Disabilities in Jimma City” stems from a strong desire to provide equal educational opportunities to all children, regardless of their physical conditions.
Promoted by the Catholic Church of Ethiopia – Apostolic Vicariate of Jimma-Bonga – the initiative aims to build an inclusive, accessible and welcoming primary school.
In an urban context marked by deep inequalities and a rapidly growing demand for education, this project provides a concrete response to the daily challenges faced by children with disabilities: inaccessible school facilities, lack of trained teachers, social stigma and poverty.
The new school will feature adequate infrastructure — ramps, accessible restrooms, adapted furnishings — creating a safe and stimulating learning environment.
What makes the project unique is its fully inclusive approach: it is not a “special” school, but a school for everyone. Children with and without disabilities will share the same classrooms, teachers and educational experiences. This model nurtures social and emotional development, encourages empathy, and breaks down the cultural barriers that often isolate those considered “different”.
The project actively involves the local community, families, public institutions and disabled people’s associations. Their participation is essential to ensure sustainability and to strengthen a culture of inclusion that extends beyond the school walls.
With more than 1,000 direct beneficiaries and over 6,000 indirect beneficiaries, the school will become a reference point for the entire region — a scalable example of how education can truly be accessible to all.
The expected impact is transformative: increased access to schooling, reduced discrimination, stronger social cohesion and new prospects of autonomy for children with disabilities.
In essence, this project does not only build a school — it builds bridges between people, spreads respect and allows hope to bloom. It is a new flower blooming in challenging soil, fertile for change.
School infrastructure lies at the heart of our mission in Africa: without safe classrooms, adequate spaces and modern tools, learning remains a privilege for the few. That is why we build and renovate schools, create laboratories and educational spaces that allow children and young people to grow in dignity.
Each new classroom is not just a building — it is a seed of hope and a promise of future for entire communities.
Direct beneficiaries (first year)
Indirect beneficiaries (first year)
Jimma is one of the main cities in southwest Ethiopia, home to about 200,000 people, and historically known as a center for coffee trade — the area’s primary economic resource. The population is dynamic and multicultural, with a long history of commercial and cultural exchanges that make Jimma an important regional hub.
Despite this potential, many families still live in poverty, with limited access to healthcare and quality education. Schools face overcrowded classrooms and a lack of materials, while youth unemployment remains high.
At the same time, Jimma is also a place of opportunity: the presence of the local university and the energy of its markets show a city capable of bridging tradition and modernity.
Each project is developed in collaboration with local communities and aims to promote education, personal growth, and sustainable development.
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The Nuovo Fiore in Africa Foundation is recognized as a public utility organization, registered with the Federal Supervisory Authority, and all donations made are tax-deductible.