The history of Abugida

The original idea and design of the project came from Berhanu Abebe Belete, a resident of Gondar. He was a lucky child who was able to attend school and make a future for himself. However, he saw first hand how so many children around him were not so fortunate.

Working as a tour guide later in Ethiopia, Berhanu began to wonder how best to help these children, children who at the age of 3 were selling tissues and begging on the streets. He saw tourists giving money directly to the children. Though given with the best intentions, this often didn't improve the child's situation. What was needed was sponsorship of the child for their education, allowing them to create a future for themselves. And so the Abugida project was born…

In September 2006, the project was established in Germany with the help of Michaela Fitzl under the name of "Ateka e.V.". Initially a small group of friends and family sponsored the children, helping support 3 families. Since then, Berhanu has found many more sponsors around the world (including Australia, Spain and Great Britain....) due to his work in tourism in Ethiopia. Currently the project sponsors 20 children in full time private education in Gondar, giving them a better chance in life. In 2014, the association changed its name to "Abugida e.V.".