Child Sponsorship

Twelve-year-old Amen dreams of becoming a psychologist and an astronomer. Sirak, also 12, envisions himself as a future scientist. But finding books on astronomy and psychology written in Amharic is often challenging. Reading about these subjects in English, especially when you’re not proficient in the language, is even harder.

At one of the ChildFund-supported schools in Addis Ababa’s Arada Sub-City, students like Amen and Sirak now have a powerful tool in their hands—a fully equipped language laboratory, established with the support of ChildFund. The lab provides televisions, computers, recorders, electronic players, and earphones, turning language learning into an interactive experience that was once out of reach for many students.

Language labs are not only beneficial for listening and speaking skills but also play a crucial role in enhancing writing skills. They provide a variety of tools and exercises that help students improve their writing abilities in a structured and interactive manner.

The Need for a Language Lab

In Ethiopia, English is a critical subject, it’s the medium of instruction in secondary school and higher education. However, many students struggle with reading, writing, and especially speaking English due to limited exposure. Without access to modern learning tools, students found it difficult to develop fluency, putting them at a disadvantage in their academic journeys.

Recognizing this challenge, ChildFund Ethiopia, with support from ChildFund Korea, partnered with its local partner Future Hopes Integrated Development Organization (FHIDO) to establish a language lab at Africa Andinet No. 2 School, providing students with an immersive environment where they can listen, practice pronunciation, and build confidence in their English skills.

A New Way to Learn

The lab accommodates 40 students at a time, allowing them to practice grammar, listening, and speaking skills in a structured setting. From Monday to Friday, children in grades 3 to 8 use the facility, and so far, over 200 students have used the lab.

It has boosted their confidence, and I see real improvement in their communication skills.”For Sirak, this means more than just better grades. “I taught myself how to type using the computers here. I want to be a scientist when I grow up, and learning English will help me understand science better,” he says with determination.

The language lab is just one example of how ChildFund Korea is strengthening education across Ethiopia. Through its child sponsorship program, Korean sponsors support 10,000 children (as of March 6, 2025) to access ChildFund programs on health, education, skills, and protection.

Additionally, ChildFund Korea supported 500 high school students with a focus on improving academic outcomes and transition rates, particularly for children with disabilities. Key activities included remedial lessons, provision of literacy materials, menstrual hygiene management, and equipment to support the inclusion of visually impaired children.

For students like Amen and Sirak, the language lab is a gateway to their dreams. Because when children have access to the right tools and opportunities, the possibilities are endless.