In Ethiopia, Muslims were historically marginalised and the state religion was Orthodox Christianity. The constitution under Haili Selassie gave privileges to Christians, including exclusive access to education*. This has now changed (Alhamdulillah) but the long-term effects persist. Muslims remain less educated and less influential in society. There are currently just a handful of Muslim schools in Addis Ababa. One of them, Merwa Academy, was set up by a group of community leaders in 2009 to be a safe and suitable environment to educate their next generation in.
*[Mohammed Dejen Assen, Contested Secularism in Ethiopia: The Contention between Muslims and the Government, (May 26, 2016).] 

Merwa has performed well academically and socially, achieving a 100% pass rate over the past 5 years, compared to 40% in state schools. It also educates 50 miskeen students, including orphans, free of charge. But Merwa is now struggling to make ends meet. With urban development in Addis Ababa come increasing costs. But the students are not from the affluent sector, so Merwa cant put up its fees, or it would exclude them. Rent and staff salaries increase yearly. These mounting pressures threaten the future of the school. 

We helped Mrewa to develop a new strategic plan. In the short term we aim to cover the costs of the miskeen students program. This will give the school enough income to make a small profit this year, which they plan to invest into building 5 new class rooms. This will put the school in the green, so it can start making money to re-invest in its future and build the strength of its community.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "God, His angels and all those in Heavens and on Earth, even ants in their hills and fish in the water, call down blessings on those who instruct others in beneficial knowledge." (Tirmidhi, 422).