The Issue
The issue
Social and cultural norms — as well as violence — stand as barriers for children seeking education in the Sidama region, especially young women and girls. Because of these issues, young students are in need of not only basic necessities like quality education, shelter and nutrition, but also, they need access to resources in schools that teach them market-driven skills and prepare them for success after they complete their education.
Kussia’s approach
Kussia Bekele Beyene is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of RCSC. He has more than 30 years of development experience working in government and non-government roles focused on peace building, advocacy, gender mainstreaming, human rights and gender equality. Kussia sits on the Board of various CSOs and NGOs, and leads task forces including holding an executive role on the Hawassa City Child Right Task Force.
With the grant, RCSC aims to improve education access for girls in the Sidama region area by creating girl-friendly school environments and leading advocacy campaigns designed to hold accountable customary and religious institutions and government bodies. The organisation also looks forward to running capacity-building support to further assist school communities and create sustainable and long-lasting initiatives for girls’ education. RCSC aims to also reeducate and improve attitudes and behaviours of communities and decision-makers’ responses to girls’ education.
More about Kussia
There are 7 other Education Champions working in Ethiopia.
