New Solar-Powered Boarding School Opens in Ethiopia

Students in Surma Woreda, South West Ethiopia, just got a game-changing new place to learn and grow.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and First Lady Zinash officially opened a state-of-the-art boarding school on January 17, 2026. The facility represents a major investment in a region where educational opportunities have been scarce.

Built by the Office of the First Lady, the campus goes far beyond basic classrooms. Students now have access to dormitories where they can live while studying, a computer laboratory with dozens of solar-powered computers, and a library stocked with resources.

The solar energy system means students can learn technology skills even in an area without reliable electricity access. Clean water from an on-site well ensures healthy conditions for learning and living.

A fully equipped kitchen will provide meals for boarding students, while a dedicated administration building supports school operations. The comprehensive design considers every aspect of student life, from academics to daily needs.

The Ripple Effect

This boarding school model solves a critical challenge in rural Ethiopia. Many talented students in remote areas can't access quality education because schools are too far from their homes.

By providing housing alongside academics, the facility removes distance as a barrier to learning. Students who might have dropped out to help their families can now continue their education while living on campus.

The investment in technology infrastructure, particularly the solar-powered computer lab, gives rural students skills they'll need for future careers. These young learners now have the same digital tools available to students in urban areas.

Prime Minister Abiy emphasized that the holistic approach creates new opportunities for young people to thrive. When one student gains access to quality education, entire families and communities benefit from that knowledge.

The facility serves as a model for how targeted infrastructure can transform educational access in underserved regions. As these students grow and graduate, they'll carry their learning back to their communities, creating waves of positive change across South West Ethiopia.