Baregota is the home village of Amlaku Yaregal Teshome, founder of Baregota Travel and Tour. In order to contribute to social innovation in the area, improve the living conditions of the villagers and increase opportunities for the youth of the village, we developed a project to build a new school, a community center and a dining hall. The first phase of the project began in January 2024 and work will continue throughout the year.
Currently, in Baregota, there is no electricity and students are forced to stay in dark, unhealthy classrooms. There are also no roads, and students must walk long distances to eat on school days.
This will change radically: the school we will build will not only meet all safety standards, but will also be a welcoming place, full of natural light, powered by solar energy, and equipped with a kitchen and dining hall.
An essential part of the project is the involvement of the teachers. At the moment, their living conditions are very difficult: for example, they have to walk 16 km every day to get from Lalibela to the school and back to their homes. Therefore, the project also includes the construction of a small but comfortable house next to the school. This will improve their living conditions and the quality of their work.
Baregota is a quaint village located 8 km from Lalibela, accessible only by foot due to the absence of roads. This lack of infrastructure has played a pivotal role in preserving the village’s unique culture and breathtaking landscapes. However, it also poses challenges, particularly in terms of educational opportunities for the local students.
In our endeavor to address this issue, we are not only constructing a school in collaboration with experts in the field but also initiating a social tourism program that welcomes volunteers from across the globe. Beyond these efforts, we aim to introduce innovative changes in the study methods employed in Baregota, fostering a more conducive learning environment for the students.
In Ethiopia, as in all of Africa, no project can succeed without the direct involvement of the affected communities. Therefore, one of the first steps was to secure the support and blessing of the most influential people in the four communities that will use the school.
After approving every detail of the project, all the communities guaranteed us direct participation in every single phase of the construction – including the transportation of materials that cannot be produced locally – and the subsequent maintenance. This will also help us keep costs under control.
We have 600 square meters of flat land available for the construction of the new school and community center. The location is open to all cardinal points, which will allow maximum use of natural light for the well-being of students.
The new school is designed by Lorenzo Fontana, an Italian architect and social entrepreneur who has lived in Ethiopia for 15 years. Lorenzo is one of the leading experts in the field of earthen building; in addition to his projects in Ethiopia, he teaches these techniques at Swiss and Italian universities.
Beauty in an elementary school environment — as well as in a community center — is important for several reasons, as it can significantly impact the well-being, learning experience, and overall development of students. Here are some reasons why beauty matters in an elementary school setting:
Positive Learning Environment: A visually appealing and well-maintained school environment creates a positive atmosphere that can contribute to a more conducive learning experience. Clean, colorful, and organized spaces are likely to inspire a sense of pride and ownership among students.
Student Engagement: A beautiful environment can capture the attention and interest of young learners. Vibrant and visually stimulating classrooms, hallways, and common areas can enhance students’ engagement and enthusiasm for learning.
Emotional Well-Being: Beauty in the school environment can have a positive impact on students’ emotional well-being. A visually pleasing atmosphere can create a sense of comfort, security, and happiness, promoting a positive emotional state conducive to learning.
Creativity and Inspiration: Aesthetic elements such as artwork, murals, and creative displays can inspire students and encourage their own creativity. Beauty in the surroundings can serve as a source of inspiration for artistic expression and imaginative thinking.
Sense of Belonging: A well-designed and attractive school environment can contribute to a sense of belonging among students. When students feel a connection to their surroundings, it can foster a stronger sense of community and school pride.
Promoting Respect and Responsibility: A beautiful school environment can instill a sense of respect and responsibility among students. When they are surrounded by well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing spaces, students are more likely to take pride in their school and treat it with care.
Improved Concentration: A clutter-free and visually appealing environment can help reduce distractions and improve students’ ability to concentrate. Well-designed classrooms and learning spaces can contribute to a more focused and conducive learning environment.
Physical and Mental Health: A clean and well-maintained school environment promotes the health and well-being of students. Proper lighting, ventilation, and aesthetically pleasing spaces contribute to a healthy physical and mental environment for both students and educators.
Parent and Community Engagement: A beautiful school environment can positively influence the perception of parents and the wider community. A well-maintained school is likely to attract support and involvement from parents, community members, and local stakeholders.
Long-Term Impact on Learning: The overall aesthetics of the school can contribute to positive memories and associations with the learning environment. This, in turn, may have a long-term impact on students’ attitudes toward education and their willingness to engage in lifelong learning.
While aesthetics alone cannot replace effective teaching methods and a supportive educational structure, the beauty of an elementary school environment can play a complementary and supportive role in creating an enriching and positive educational experience for students.
Amlaku, owner of Baregota Travel & Tour, has always shared his successes with his home village through numerous interventions to improve the living conditions of the inhabitants.
Guadalupe is a successful Mexican entrepreneur who has always supported social innovation and educational projects around the world through her business.
Ric Foxley is a New Zealander who has worked for many years with aid agencies such as World Vision and The Leprosy Mission. His mission is to raise funds for innovative projects that he has come across during his travels in the developing world.
Ayzoh! is an Italian non-profit organization made up of photographers, designers, researchers and editors. It works around the world to create powerful tools for social innovation in small, marginalized communities.
When you travel with us, you also become a social investor. In fact, a large portion of the profits generated by our business are used to fund social innovation projects like this one.
