Dear friends of EAVO, here are some updates on our ministry in Ethiopia and Kenya. Thank you for your continued support over the past 20 years. God bless you all.
One Student at a time
Our efforts to educate a few Ethiopians and Kenyans spans from KG to a four-year college degree. Through it all, we celebrate graduations one student at a time, whether they graduate from KG, 6th grade or 12th grade. This year, we have 3 students who graduated from a 4-year college. So far, 101 college graduates and counting. We may not have changed the world, but we certainly have changed each graduate’s world.
Emebet Shimelis graduated with a degree in Medical Laboratory from Warabe University. She grew up in the rural community of Acheber, Ethiopia. Like other girls, she fetched water from nearby rivers, helped her mom feed the family and still found time to run to school. Your support assisted college students like Emebet buy important school materials and feminine hygiene products. Three students, including Emebet, graduated from college this year with your support. 22 are in our College Students Support program. Thank you!
Bridge Construction Completed
We are happy to report that the bridge construction to Lana Reese Preschool, which you funded through your generous gifts, is now complete. Students no longer have to jump rivers or risk their lives walking on an old wooden bridge to get to school. Community members and government officials got together to celebrate the opening of the bridge. Government officials were heard thanking East African Village Outreach for its efforts to make a difference in the next generation. We thank you for all your contributions!
Students crossing the new bridge
Students Vaccinated
Several students ages 1 – 7, supported by EAVO, were vaccinated against Typhoid and measles in Kisumu, Kenya in July of this year. The school coordinated the vaccination with the Ministry of Health Children Department. Many children suffer from lack of sanitation. Marlaria is common near Lake Victoria where Kisumu town is situated so EAVO provides bed nets for new students to the school
Students getting vaccination
Edoy School Latrine Update
We are pleased to report that we raised more than $15,000 towards the construction of a latrine for Edoy Elementary School in Acheber, Ethiopia. That’s $2,000 more than we were hoping to raise. We are grateful to Paraklete Foundation who granted us 50% of the required fund, to Mrs. Barbara Quilliam who donated $6,000 and others who gave towards this project. Construction will begin in October 2025, shortly after the rainy season in Ethiopia. Thank you!
Mark Your Calendars
We plan to get together for fellowship with EAVO board members and other donors on the night of March 28, 2026 at 5:30 PM. Oerational and Financial reports will be presented. Ethiopian dish will be served for dinner at no cost to you. Please mark your calendars. Details will be sent out in the next newsletter.
March 28, 2026 at 6 PM, EAVO Reports & Fundraising at
Fremont Presbyterian Church, Sacramento, CA.
Planned Travel
Our Executive Director, Seifu Ibssa, will be making the usual annual travel to Ethiopia at the end of August 2025. Please pray for wisdom as he meets with our partners. He will also meet with community leaders to discuss details of the Edoy Elementary School latrine construction project and deliver your gifts.
Board Members:
- Olana Aberra, MD., Chairman
- Pastor Jack McNary, Secretary
- Rob Colvin, Treasurer
- Mary Staples, Cofounder/board member
- Aberra Damessa, Board Member
- Seifu Ibssa, Cofounder / Exec. Director / Board Member
Mail your Tax-Deductible Gifts to:
East African Village Outreach (EAVO)
9688 Ashstone Way
Elk Grove, CA 95624
Or donate online at www.eavo.org
Thank you!