From Interrupted Education to Academic Excellence: Haymanot’s Journey
Haymanot Melkamu, a 13-year-old girl from Lega town in the Amhara region, was unable to continue her education due to conflict in her hometown. She spent three consecutive years at home helping her grandparents, without attending school. Even after moving to Addis Ababa, she remained out of school for one year because her family could not enroll her immediately. During this period, she missed foundational learning opportunities, including basic literacy and numeracy skills.
Through the Second Chance Program at Kaliti Bullu Bulla Primary School, Haymanot was enrolled in the first-level class to acquire foundational literacy and numeracy skills. The program provided structured learning, teacher guidance, and learning materials such as flashcards, reading exercises, and supplementary books. Facilitators offered continuous support, remedial teaching, and encouragement, helping her quickly catch up with her peers.
As a result of the intervention, Haymanot now reads and writes words, sentences, and short stories fluently. She can solve basic arithmetic problems and is one of the fastest learners in her class. Her confidence and academic skills have improved, enabling her to reintegrate into formal education in her community. Beyond her personal success, her story highlights the positive impact of the Second Chance Program on addressing educational gaps caused by conflict and displacement. Her family has witnessed her progress and the benefits of supportive, inclusive education.
“I am grateful to my teachers and the Second Chance Program. I can now read and write, and I dream of becoming a doctor. I am determined to make my dream come true and serve my family and country.”