Mary Help College is a vocational training school located in Zway, managed by the Salesian Sisters – Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA). Inspired by the Salesian educational tradition, the school places each student at the center, nurturing their talent and potential. Young women and men from vulnerable backgrounds receive practical, market-oriented training that enables them to build a dignified future. Recognized as a campus of the Ethiopian Catholic University (ECUSTA), the College currently offers accredited programs in Fashion Design and Information Technology. The outcomes speak for themselves: over 90% of graduates find employment or start their own business.
This project responds to the urgent need to expand the College’s educational offering. Demand for vocational training continues to grow, particularly in fields such as administrative support, accounting, healthcare assistance and pharmacy services. However, the current facilities cannot accommodate new programs or an increased student intake. In a city like Zway, where job opportunities exist but skills are lacking, expanding the College is essential to provide young people — especially girls — with quality, accessible education and better employment prospects.
The initiative includes the construction of a two-storey building, designed to support a third floor in the future, with fully equipped classrooms and laboratories for both theoretical and hands-on training. The goal is to train around 200 students each year, prioritizing women and youth from disadvantaged families. The project also integrates awareness and support activities: admission guidance, mentoring pathways and community outreach, ensuring every student receives not only technical skills but also confidence, motivation and the tools to enter the workforce successfully.
With this expansion, Mary Help College will continue to serve as a key educational hub for the Zway community — helping reduce youth unemployment, prevent irregular migration and promote inclusive, sustainable development.
In Zway, the Nuovo Fiore in Africa Foundation supports schools and training programs run by the Salesians and Salesian Sisters, promoting education and vocational skills for young people. The projects in Dida and Hobe are managed by the Salesians of the Zway Mission.
Direct beneficiaries
Around 200 students each year — at least 70% women — enrolled in the new vocational programs.
Indirect beneficiaries – approx. 800 people
Families of the students, local businesses benefiting from qualified personnel, and the wider community of Zway and surrounding areas, thanks to reduced youth unemployment and a stronger social and economic fabric.
Zway is a town in the Oromia Region, located on the shores of Lake Zway, with a population of about 60,000 people. The local economy is primarily based on fishing, agriculture and small trade, activities that sustain the community and bring life to local markets. Despite these natural resources, poverty remains widespread and many families cannot afford continuous schooling for their children. Schools often struggle with overcrowded classrooms, insufficient infrastructure and a lack of educational materials, leading many students to drop out before completing primary education.
Yet, Zway is a community rich in social and cultural vitality, marked by strong solidarity and resilience — elements that represent a valuable foundation for building new educational and social opportunities.
With the goal of supporting basic education and vocational training, the Foundation invests in infrastructure and initiatives addressing educational challenges such as the empowerment of girls and women.
Each project is developed in collaboration with local communities and aims to promote education, personal growth, and sustainable development.
Support the mission of the Foundation
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.
