On March 23, the first Gerrit and Nel Barnhoorn Scholarships have been awarded to four Sher-school graduates. This 4-year scholarship was established in 2021 in commemoration of the 50th wedding anniversary of Gerrit and Nel Barnhoorn. The Barnhoorn family are the founders of Sher Ethiopia and its schools. Each year 4 students (2 female and 2 male) are granted a scholarship that helps them to cover a part of their study-expenses and cost of living at a university of their choice in Ethiopia. The main goal of the scholarship is to help high achieving students with disadvantaged backgrounds.
On Wednesday Aziza Suleman, Kaleb Jemal, Tensae Minase and Yidnekachew Masresha received the first scholarships from John Barnhoorn, son of Gerrit and Nel Barnhoorn. On behalf of his family, he congratulated the winners and thanked the Sher School teachers and supporting staff for their hard work over the past 15 years. “The fact that Sher School has made such a positive impact over the years and has changed so many lives since my parents started to build the first nursery classrooms in 2006, fills their hearts with joy and happiness” John said.
This year a group of 205 students completed the Sher-schools starting from kindergarten up to grade 12 in High-School. Four of them received a the Barnhoorn scholarship and four others were given a laptop. The ceremony took place in the presence of the students’ families, Sher Ethiopia managers, community elders, Sher School staff, the parents committee and officials from the Education Office, the Investment Office, EHPEA and the Woreda Administration.
We thank Mr. and Mrs. Barnhoorn for their unwavering support for the Sher Schools and Hospital over the years and we are extremely proud of these students as they are a true example of the positive impact that Sher Ethiopia has on the community in Ziway and surrounding areas. We wish all our graduated students a bright future, wherever it may take them.
Sher schools in Ethiopia accommodate over 6500 students at three locations. Approximately 400 children – starting at the age of 4 – are admitted to Sher schools every year. Admission takes place on a 50-50 basis, with an equal split between the children of employees and children from the local community.
