Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — In a landmark event for Ethiopia’s educational landscape, the Gazanche Primary School Project was officially launched on May 12, 2026, in the Gurage Zone, Central Ethiopia. This €4. 2 million initiative, a collaborative venture between the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the Government of Italy, signifies a major investment in the nation’s educational infrastructure.
The project is part of a wider strategy to construct primary schools in regions historically underserved by educational facilities. Gazanche Primary School is a key component of this strategy, aiming to benefit over 4,000 students and their families in the Gurage Zone and the West Shewa Zone in the Oromia Region. Ethiopia has long grappled with challenges in its education system, particularly in rural areas, where issues such as overcrowded classrooms, unsafe infrastructure, and inadequate sanitation facilities have compromised the quality of education.
The partnership with UNOPS and the Government of Italy is a pivotal step in addressing these challenges and advancing Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which aspires to provide inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and the Italian Embassy in Ethiopia are actively involved in this project, reflecting a robust bilateral commitment to its success. Ambassador Sem Fabrizi highlighted the significance of this investment, noting, “Investing in a school means investing in the stability and development of a community. This project will contribute significantly to the future of the children and communities in the Gurage Zone. “.
The site handover ceremony on May 12 marked the transition from planning to the implementation phase.
The formal transfer of the site to the local contractor signaled the beginning of construction, which is expected to bring substantial improvements in access to quality education in the region.
The project’s launch is a testament to the Ethiopian government’s ongoing efforts to enhance its education system and underscores the importance of international partnerships in tackling global development challenges.
As the project progresses, it is anticipated to not only improve educational opportunities for children in the Gurage Zone but also contribute to the socio — economic development of the region.
The Gazanche Primary School Project is a critical step towards achieving SDG 4 and ensuring that every child has access to quality education. With the support of international partners like UNOPS and the Government of Italy, Ethiopia is taking decisive action towards realizing this goal.
As construction commences, the region looks forward to a brighter future for its youth, equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the 21st century.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: Government of Italy
