They may be separated by 7,000 miles, but Ecoff Elementary and Gendetesfa Primary School in Ethiopia are making connections that benefit students in both schools. In partnership with Cornerstone Assembly of God in Chesterfield County and Living Word Community Church in Ethiopia, students are learning about each other, about their cultures and how their schools are similar and different.
At the beginning of the 2022-23 school year, students began their long-distance connection. Ecoff students spent time learning new content so that they could create instructional materials for Gendetesfa students, then Ecoff students sent letters and photos of their school to make a personal connection. The materials were delivered in January, then Gendetesfa students sent back videos of themselves using the materials and answering questions Ecoff students asked.
Ecoff students discovered that their new friends did not have technology that might allow them to connect and communicate on a more regular basis and throughout the 2023-24 school year. At the request of Ecoff Elementary administrators and with School Board approval, Chesterfield County Public Schools donated 30 end-of-life Chromebooks for Gendetesfa students. Over the summer, the Chromebooks were delivered and sparked immediate joy and additional learning opportunities in the new computer lab at Gendetesfa.
Stay tuned for the next chapter in this heartwarming connection that is changing lives here and across the globe.