Breaking Barriers: Lemlem’s Journey to University

Early Challenges

Lemlem, now 19, grew up in a remote village in Oromia. At age 12, she was at risk of early marriage, a common practice in her community. Her family couldn’t afford school supplies, and the nearest secondary school was 15km away.

ACEO Support

In 2018, ACEO’s Girls’ Education Program intervened:

  • Provided school materials and uniform
  • Arranged bicycle transportation to school
  • Conducted community awareness on girls’ education
  • Offered tutoring and mentorship
  • Provided family counseling to prevent early marriage

Academic Success

Lemlem excelled academically:

  • Ranked 1st in her class for 3 consecutive years
  • Won regional science competition
  • Scored 4.0 GPA in Ethiopian School Leaving Certificate
  • Received full scholarship to Addis Ababa University

Community Impact

Lemlem’s success changed community attitudes. Her village now:

  • Has zero cases of early marriage in 3 years
  • Created a community fund for girls’ education
  • Built a girls’ dormitory near the school
  • 35 girls now attend secondary school (up from 5)

Lemlem’s Vision

“I want to become a doctor and return to serve my community. I want every girl in Ethiopia to have the opportunities I had,” says Lemlem, now studying medicine.