Good News all round in Ethiopia

AT MISSIO Scotland we take great joy in many aspects of our work. Supporting projects is an obvious one. Making lifelong connections is another. Spreading the Good News, however, is at the core of every single member of the Pontifical Mission Societies throughout the world and is not something that merely gives joy to those in mission countries and territories throughout the world, but also allows us to receive joy in return too.

In 2022, Missio Scotland supported the construction of a new dining hall in St Anthony’s Inclusive School in Adama/Nazreth in Ethiopia. We were able to assist with this project due to a link that was established with the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Sisters who run the school. That connection, though, was made in Scotland via The Ababa Project, which was founded in St Teresa’s in Dumfries in the mid-1980s to support the sisters—who had a presence here at that time—in Ethiopia.

It is one of the many beautiful examples that can point to the universal Church in action and it allowed us to emphasise not only how important it is to assist the work of Missio Scotland, but also enabled us to shine a light on the vital efforts of our lay missionaries here too.

Such support, which began some 40 years ago, has borne much fruit and continues to do so to this day. This is most evident through the TEACh (Teresa Educating A Child) programme, which The Ababa Project set up to invite parishioners to sponsor children from the neediest backgrounds to attend school. The cost of sponsorship is £20 per child, per month, which helps to pay for the teacher’s wages, materials, uniforms, a hygiene pack and a daily meal.

As previously mentioned, spreading the Good News is not a one-way street and Beatrice Gardner, one of the co-ordinators of The Ababa Project, recently got in touch with us to share some Good News that they have received as a result of supporting the TEACh programme.

“I had a bit of good news from Ethiopia yesterday and I am so chuffed that I would like to share it with you—and the world,” she said. “The Ababa Project has its first graduates. Amina Heyru has completed her Law degree and Fitsum Girma his Commerce degree and they have both written to us express their gratitude. I’m a bit overwhelmed actually but I’m buzzing too!”

Missio Scotland is delighted to be able to share these letters with you to highlight just how life-saving and life-giving our work and the work of our lay missionaries like those at St Teresa’s in Dumfries can be. God bless you all and thank you!

Fitsum Girma

First of all, I want to sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have been a true blessing in my life—next to God. Without your support, I might not be here today. You’ve made an incredible impact on my life and I am forever grateful.

Our journey began when I was just 10 years old. At that time, I was in Grade Four, wearing the same school uniform I had worn for four years. I didn’t have the proper school materials—no notebooks, no pencils, not even a school bag. Life was difficult, and education seemed far out of reach.

But one day, everything changed. That day, I received a life-changing opportunity—your support. I still clearly remember joining Grade Five with a brand-new school uniform, a full set of school supplies, a new backpack, and even a Chelsea FC jersey.

That small act of kindness gave me a new sense of hope and confidence. That same year, I ranked first in my class. It was a turning point, and from that moment on, my real education journey began.

From Grade Five all the way to university, your support and motivation were always with me. Because of that foundation, I was able to join Addis Ababa Science and Technology University to study Civil Engineering. After completing my first year, I was honoured to receive a full scholarship to study in India—one of the countries I had always dreamed of visiting and learning from.

Last year, I proudly graduated from Gujarat University with a Bachelor of Commerce (First Class) degree. I was recognized as one of the top-performing foreign students at the university and received an academic award—something I never imagined as a child without school supplies. It was one of the proudest moments of my life.

Today, I am working in the private sector while preparing to pursue further education abroad. I’m passionate about community development and eager to give back. My dream is to one day join your team and serve others—just as you once served me. I believe in creating a circle of impact, where those who receive help become the ones who offer it.

Thank you once again for your incredible generosity, your belief in me, and your commitment to changing lives. I carry your kindness with me every step of the way, and I hope that one day, we will meet again—perhaps as colleagues, working side by side to support the next generation. With deep respect and gratitude, Fitsum Girma.

Amina Heyru

As I sit down to write this letter, I find myself overwhelmed with emotion. It’s hard to find the right words to express the depth of my gratitude but I will try, with all my heart.

I am so happy to share with you that I have officially graduated from law school. I now hold a Bachelor of Law (LL.B) degree, a dream that once felt so far away, yet today it is real because of you.

You started supporting me when I was just a child in Grade Five. You believed in me before the world even knew my name. In times when life was uncertain, your kindness gave me strength. Your support was more than financial it was a lifeline. You helped me grow, dream, and become the woman I am today.

While studying law, I dedicated myself to giving back. I volunteered in a free legal aid centre, serving women, children, and others who had no one else to turn to. Every time I stood beside someone seeking justice, I thought of you because your help gave me the power to help them.

Today, I work as a bank attorney, starting my professional journey with hope and purpose. And I’m not stopping here. I’m committed to continuing my education and will soon begin working toward my Master of Laws (LL.M), so I can grow even more and serve even better.

I carry your love, support, and belief with me wherever I go. You didn’t just change my life you became a part of it. And for that, I will never forget you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. You made a difference. You are the reason I made it. With endless gratitude and love, Amina Heyru.

Why not like Missio Scotland on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/missioscotland, follow us on Twitter: @Missio_Scotland, Instagram: MissioScotland and Bluesky: @missioscotland.bsky.social

To donate to Missio Scotland, visit: https://www.missioscotland.com/donate call us on: 01236 449774 or send donations to: Missio Scotland, St Andrews, 4 Laird Street, Coatbridge ML5 3LJ

You can also now donate to us via text. Text MISSIOSCOT to 70085 to donate £3 or MISSIOSCOT with any number between 1-20 after it to donate your desired amount (For example MISSIOSCOT 10 will donate £10). Thank You.