-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–

In light of the recent Executive Order Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid signed by President Trump on January 20, 2025, Education 4 Change’s collaboration with communities in the Somali Region of Ethiopia has hit a roadblock. Our project to remove barriers enabling girls to go to school have been placed in an immediate ‘stop work order’ status. 

E4 Change is an international NGO with an active board in Waterloo, ON, and a national office in Addis Ababa. For over a decade, E4 Change has successfully and sustainably removed barriers prohibiting girls and youth from attending school. This includes building bathrooms for girls to privately attend to their hygiene, and providing girls with the knowledge and supplies to look after their menstrual health. E4 Change’s projects make a difference by hiring outreach workers to educate girls in menstrual hygiene, early marriage and female genital mutilation. When girls can’t manage their periods, they often drop out of school. Since March 2024, E4 Change distributed 1800+ menstrual hygiene kits with explicit teaching on female anatomy, menstruation and hygiene. “When we started, girls were shy in the classroom,” recalls Kheira Malim Mohamed, E4 Change’s Project Coordinator. “But by the end of each session, the girls were smiling, asking questions, and sharing how these kits will change their lives.” 

E4 Change is committed more than ever to continue to sustain their well established relationships across the Somali Region of Ethiopia. Meeting our financial commitments is part of sustaining that trust. E4 Change maintained all national salaried staff regardless of shifting realities due to COVID-19 and multiple climate challenges. We must continue to do so – to keep the momentum of growth, encouragement and trust. 

E4 Change is appealing to the public for financial donations to continue the support of our salaried program coordinators, outreach workers, and Addis Ababa staff. Will you help us? By making a donation today, you will help E4 Change continue to transform the lives of girls through education. 

Tax deductible donations can be made through Canada Helps or by e-transfer to [email protected]. 

Visit us at www.education-4-change.org to see the outcomes of our community-based work in the Somali Region of Ethiopia. 

Contact: Lisa Devall-Martin

E4Change President    

[email protected]