HEART STORY

Meron Meaza

“I am a Grade 8 student. My parents are coffee farmers and I have 6 siblings - 2 sisters and 4 brothers. I wouldn’t have had access to education if the Costa Foundation school had not opened here - the nearest other school is 7km away. My parents could not afford to rent a house there for me, and I wouldn’t have managed the daily travel on foot to attend the school."

I joined the Costa Foundation school in Adame Yirgachefe Primary School in Grade 4 after my family moved here from Hawasa. My previous school was of very poor quality: only two classrooms with dusty floors, not enough textbooks, no library, and no water. 

In Adame Yirgachefe Primary School, the classrooms and seats are good quality, we have adequate textbooks, and a library full of reference books. The latrine is gender-segregated with a shower which is comfortable to use - especially during menstruation for the older girls.  

I used to be second or third in my class back at Hawasa during Grades 1-3. When I got to this school, I went straight up to first in my class.    

I want to be a doctor when I grow up, so that I can help poor members of my community who currently are dying due to a lack of health service. I am really looking forward to seeing my dream realised. Thank you to the Costa Foundation for creating this education opportunity nearby. 

Thank you to the Costa Foundation for creating this education opportunity nearby. 

Meron Meaza