2015 - 2025
OUR UNFOLDING STORY IN ETHIOPIA
Impact Since 2015
31 SCHOOLS BUILT
OVER 107,000 EYE ASSESSMENTS 7 VISION CENTRES 2,700 TEACHERS TRAINED 44,000 STUDENTS IN CLASSES NOW
... AND SO MUCH MORE
A Small Canadian Charity with Big Ideas!
Empowering teachers and inspiring students to dream big!
We honor the vision and leadership of David and Gina Cosco, who founded Partners in Education Ethiopia (Partners) 10 years ago. Inspired by his mother, Frances G. Cosco—a trailblazing educator—and driven by a steadfast belief in education as a catalyst for change, David envisioned a future where every child and youth in underserved Ethiopian communities could overcome barriers to access and succeed in school.
Partners’ journey is a powerful testament to what’s possible when partnerships, committed funders, and engaged communities come together to tackle complex educational challenges. From building schools and training teachers to greening school environments and integrating health initiatives, Partners has consistently demonstrated its commitment to a holistic approach to education —one that nurtures the whole child and strengthens the entire learning environment .
Our First School, Sebatamit
2025
2015
Years ago in Sebatamit, a poor farming community, villagers got together and, with their very limited funds, built an elementary school. All the buildings were made of mud and had no foundation, doors, or windows. In 2015, Partners’ first project was to replace the old buildings and launch a holistic education model for the school. Today the school is home to thriving fruit and vegetable gardens, outdoor classrooms, wash stations, digital resources, a special needs class, and other health programs.
It all started with 1 School, and a small amount of money …
Our Story
Our story is not just about one person—it is a reflection of many hearts and hands that have shaped Partners. Every contribution, big and small, has helped bring us to this moment. It was David’s initial passion and insight and the dedication and hard work of our Executive Director, Yehalem Abebe, and his team that have secured the long-term relationships, with government departments, community leaders, universities, hospitals, other NGOs, and generous donors, that continue to drive our mission forward. This booklet is just a glimpse into our journey—how a small Canadian charity, borne from hope and driven by partnerships, introduced education initiatives that now reach thousands.
Our Projects & Programs
Education plants the seeds of change— not just in a student’s life, but in that of their family and entire community.
SCHOOLS
WATER, HYGIENE AND SANITATION
SCHOOL GARDENING & GREENING
EYE HEALTH
TEACHER TRAINING & LEADER CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT Teacher training improves skills and teaching practices, and is key to delivering quality education and inspiring students to dream big .
CONNECTIVITY
A safe sound school structure is the first step in providing students with a quality learning environment
Improving vision through school- based screening and the provision of glasses and treatment support provides increased access to learning.
Digital resources and internet connectivity provide both students and teachers with access to a broad scope of learning materials.
We foster a healthy environment with access to latrines, clean, safe water, and hygiene programs, which include educating students and communities on healthy hygiene and menstrual hygiene practices.
Teachers are innovative in using gardens to provide students with a unique form of experiential learning. Revenue from produce brings income to cover a portion of the school costs.
10 th Anniversary Celebration
A joyful event celebrating 10 years since the inception of Partners and the building of its first school was held in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia on May 31, 2025. Gina and David Cosco joined numerous dignitaries, partners, educators, volunteers, donors and staff in the celebration, which was organized by students of Sebatamit School and Partners’ staff.
10 Years of making a difference
To our many Donors, Partners, Stakeholders and Communities, THANK YOU
Let’s ensure every child in Ethiopia has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive.
This story is a powerful testament to what education can achieve—made possible by visionary founders, generous donors, dedicated partners, vibrant communities, and YOU. As we look to the next 10 years, our mission grows stronger—driving innovation, embracing technology, and expanding access to safe, quality education for thousands of children across Ethiopia. Together, we can turn opportunity into progress—ensuring that every child in Ethiopia has the chance to learn, grow, and dream.
Visit us online: partnersinedethiopia.org
Contact us: 780.499.9625
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