Addis Ababa: According to the Children of Ethiopia Education Fund, less than half of Ethiopian children attend school because families cannot afford to send both girls and boys, so the boys are chosen first. Despite the optimism surrounding the project that is sending girls to school, many in Ethiopia question whether it is only for Christian families. The Utah-based Fund is hoping that their new initiatives will open the doors for hundreds of young girls to get education in the East African country. “We are really excited about the initiatives in Ethiopia to help families send their girls to school,” one social worker told Bikyamasr.com. In 2001, Utah residents Norm and Ruthann Perdue, established the Children of Ethiopia Education Fund with the goal of “supporting 400 girls a year in private schools.” Others, including Kathy and Ned Searle and their children liked the idea, ksl.com reported. “I thought it was important that we strengthen women in the world,” said Ned Searle, donor and adoptive parent. “I though, ‘What a better way to make a strong woman than to give her the education she needs.'” The Searle's chose to adopt and sponsor Kidist, a bright 7-year-old girl, and her sister Bethlehem. “I can go to school there, without paying, without worrying about it and I feel like the luckiest girl, ever,” said Bethlehem Searle. This fund, says its executive director, helps prevent teenage pregnancy and cases of HIV/AIDS. “It is the difference between life and death in a country like Ethiopia,” said Dr. Sylvia McMillian, Children of Ethiopia Education Fund Executive Director. “Girls getting an education then are able to provide for themselves economically.” But some in Ethiopia argue the Utah fund is only assisting Christian families, with the social worker calling for the education fund to be broadened to include Muslims as well. “We need all our girls educated, and not just Christians, so we are all hoping and pushing for the efforts from abroad to include girls from Muslim families,” the social worker added.
