For Borana girls in rural Ethiopia, continuing school after eighth grade often means leaving behind home, family, and everything familiar. These girls come from pastoralist families whose lives and livelihoods are rooted in caring for livestock and the land. They are the first in their families to receive a formal education, carrying their own aspirations alongside their families' hopes for new possibilities.

With few secondary schools near their villages, their options are limited: move to a town or city to continue learning, or bring their education to an early end. For those who leave, there may be no family waiting in the city, no secure place to sleep, and no dependable source of meals or guidance. At an age when they still need care and encouragement, they must navigate unfamiliar surroundings while trying to manage rent, food, school expenses, and their personal safety. Their families want them to succeed, but often lack the resources to support life away from home.

These girls have already worked hard to reach this point. Their determination is strong, but determination alone cannot pay the rent or put food on the table. A safe, supportive home, regular meals, and caring adults can give them the stability to concentrate on their studies and build friendships with other girls walking a similar path.

The Borana community in Ethiopia is also actively fundraising and contributing what they can to support the girls' education. This is self-help in action — families and community members coming together, sharing responsibility, and building possibilities for the next generation. Your contribution joins this local effort, extending what the community is already working to make possible.

Together, we can help give them a safe place to live and the support to keep learning.

We are raising funds for the first year of Elelle Pastoralist Organization's Safe Accommodation Initiative, supporting 40 girls transitioning from eighth to ninth grade from remote communities in Ethiopia's Borana region.

Your generosity will help provide housing, nutritious meals, school expenses, everyday necessities, and caring supervision in a home where girls can study, build friendships, and grow together.

Choose How You Give

Every contribution helps. Give whatever you can, or contribute toward a specific need. These are suggested amounts per girl; the school-year amount assumes 10 months.

• $15 — Provides everyday essentials: one month of hygiene supplies, menstrual care, and her share of utilities.

• $20 — Keeps a roof overhead: one girl's share of monthly rent.

• $40 — Fills her pantry: one girl's meals for a month.

• $50 — Supports one girl for a month: housing, meals, school needs, and transportation for a monthly visit home.

• $75 — Equips her for school: uniforms, books, supplies, and applicable school fees.

• $500 — Supports one girl for the school year: 10 months of consistent care and support.

• Give any amount: every contribution helps surround a girl with the support she needs to stay in school.

You can give on your own or gather friends, family, or colleagues to cover a month of rent, meals, or a girl's care together. Contributions will be pooled to meet the girls' needs throughout the year.

Please donate and share. Help these girls continue their education with safety, dignity, and a community beside them.

The ELELLE Project: Safe Housing, Education & Sisterhood

Educate a Girl, Empower a Nation