Ethiopian Childrens Fund Village School

On January 4, I traveled to Ethiopia to support designer friends Ben & Bee (Benign & B'xotiQ) in the African Mosaic benefit fashion show. Proceeds from the show support the Ethiopian Children's Fund Village in Aleltu, about an hour outside of Addis Ababa. Here are some shots from a day trip to visit the ECF Village in Aleltu. This school, founded by Anna Gataneh, currently educates 347 disadvantaged children and reaches many hundreds more through community partnerships.

Anna Getaneh is a world-famous model who has produced the African Mosaic Show since 1999. Seen here answering questions about the campus, their concept is a holistic approach to education. Children’s educational, health, emotional needs are addressed as well as their families’ support needs.


This school is amazing. The students, drawn from the at-risk children in the neighboring village, are hungry to learn. The center provides education, food, healthcare, and moral support to the children and to the village. Designed for sustainability, the school also features a biogas power generator and loads of space for growth and development. They are bringing sustainable technologies and really making a difference. (Fuel from processed cow dung helps light the school!)

The next day, the African Mosaic benefit fashion show. Shown here is Ben Nonterah, Ghana-based designer leaving the stage to applause.


This school is really making a difference. Send donations to:ECF USA PO Box 2803, Silver Spring MD 20915 USA. Or contribute online at: www.ethiopianchildrensfund.org