What We Do
ANRO addresses the practical, everyday challenges faced by rural public schools in the Sidama Region — from access to water and reliable electricity, to school infrastructure and essential learning materials.
Water and Sanitation
For many rural schools in the Sidama Region, access to water remains a serious daily challenge. Water sources may be located far from the school, and during the dry season, access can become even more limited. Some schools and local communities depend on seasonal water sources and rainwater harvesting.
When water is far away, collecting and carrying it requires considerable time and effort. In rural communities, children as well as adults may be involved in collecting water. This can take away time that could otherwise be spent on education.
Access to water is directly connected to children's health and school attendance. Water is essential for drinking, handwashing, functioning toilets, preparing food where school meals are provided, cleaning school facilities, and maintaining proper sanitary conditions. A lack of safe water and adequate hygiene facilities increases the risk of infectious diseases, which can in turn lead to children missing school.
Water and sanitation are particularly important for girls. Access to separate toilets, water, and appropriate facilities for personal and menstrual hygiene helps girls attend school regularly and feel safe and comfortable throughout the school day.
What ANRO Does
ANRO considers the needs of each school individually. Together with local specialists, we identify available water sources and determine the most appropriate technical solution. Planning takes into account the distance to the water source, year-round availability, water quality, the required volume, the method of water delivery, and the long-term maintenance of the system.
ANRO pays particular attention not only to water supply, but also to toilets, handwashing facilities, and appropriate sanitation facilities for girls.
Access to water is directly connected to children's health, hygiene, school attendance, and their ability to learn effectively every day.
School Infrastructure
For many rural schools in the Sidama Region, the shortage and condition of school facilities remain among the most significant challenges. Some classrooms are located in buildings that have been in use for decades and require major repairs due to natural deterioration and exposure to weather conditions. In some cases, facilities are so severely damaged that they need to be restored.
Key Challenges
50+ students in one classroom
In a small classroom, 50 or more children may be learning at the same time.
Not enough classrooms
The number of students exceeds the capacity of the existing school facilities.
Deteriorated and damaged buildings
Some school facilities require major repairs or restoration.
Need for additional construction
Some schools need additional classrooms or new school buildings.
What ANRO Does
ANRO’s work in this area includes repairing and restoring existing classrooms, constructing new classrooms and school buildings, as well as creating necessary facilities for teachers and other school needs.
Each school is assessed individually. Before any construction or renovation begins, the actual condition of the buildings, the number of students, and the number of existing classrooms are assessed, and the required scope of work and technical requirements are determined. Planning and implementation are carried out together with local specialists and in accordance with the requirements of the relevant local authorities.
Safe and sufficient school facilities create an environment in which children can learn effectively and teachers can carry out their work to a high standard.
Textbooks and Learning Materials
For many rural schools, access to even the most basic learning materials remains a serious challenge. Textbooks are in short supply, and several children may have to share a single book. In some schools, one textbook is shared by four or five students.
Key Challenges
1 textbook for 4–5 students
A shortage of textbooks means that several students have to share one book, making it more difficult to follow lessons in the classroom and study independently.
Lack of basic learning materials
Children may lack notebooks, pens, pencils, and other essential supplies needed for everyday learning. In some schools in Ethiopia, even a shortage of basic items such as exercise books can become a significant barrier to learning.
Limited teaching materials
Teachers need reference books, teaching guides, and other resources to prepare and deliver lessons effectively.
Lack of libraries or insufficiently equipped libraries
In many rural schools, children have very limited access to books beyond their required textbooks. A school library provides a space where children can read, study independently, and access additional literature.
What ANRO Does
ANRO helps schools provide children with essential textbooks and basic learning materials, while supporting teachers with reference books and teaching resources.
Another area of our work is establishing and equipping school libraries. Depending on the needs of each school, this may include books, shelving, tables, and other essential elements needed to create a space where children can read and study independently.
The needs of each school are assessed individually, taking into account the number of students, grades and subjects, the textbooks and learning materials already available, and their actual condition.
A textbook, a notebook, a pen, and the opportunity to borrow a book from a school library are simple things, but without them, learning becomes significantly more difficult.
Electricity and Digital Learning
Electricity means light, computers, digital resources, and new opportunities for learning. It makes it possible to use projectors, printers, and other equipment, create computer classrooms, access digital educational resources, and develop children's digital skills.
In remote rural areas, connection to the national electricity grid is not always available or technically feasible. In such cases, one solution may be an independent power system based on solar energy.
Key Challenges
Lack of reliable electricity
Without a reliable source of power, schools are limited in their ability to use electrical equipment and develop modern educational infrastructure.
Limited access to computers
Even when computer equipment is available, a lack of electricity prevents schools from using it regularly as part of the learning process.
Limited access to digital educational resources
A reliable source of electricity is necessary to operate computers, projectors, printers, audiovisual equipment, charge electronic devices, and access the internet where connectivity is available.
Limited digital opportunities
Without the necessary infrastructure, children have significantly fewer opportunities to become familiar with modern technologies and develop basic digital skills.
What ANRO Does
Depending on the school's location and existing infrastructure, electricity can be provided through connection to the power grid or through an independent power system, including solar panels, battery storage, and the necessary supporting equipment.
Technical solutions are developed together with local specialists, taking into account the required power capacity, the equipment the school intends to use, system reliability, and the possibility of long-term maintenance.
Electrification also creates opportunities for digital learning. ANRO can support the establishment and equipping of computer classrooms, including computers and other equipment needed by teachers and students to access and use modern educational resources.
Reliable electricity enables schools to use modern technologies and expands educational opportunities for children.
See the schools we're currently supporting
VIEW OUR PROJECTS- TRANSPARENCYWe work openly and responsibly.
- ACCOUNTABILITYWe are accountable and use resources with care.
- MEASURABLE RESULTSWe focus on real needs and long-term improvements.
- PARTNERSHIPSWe connect with local people who want to make a difference.