About The Waju Project

The Waju Project is an initiative dedicated to empowering the people of Waju, a rural village in Ethiopia, through education and community development. Our mission is to support the local school and the wider community by rebuilding and revitalizing its library a vital hub for learning that serves both children and adult learners.

Founded under the nonprofit Ejara Makonnen Wassanu Inc., the project honors the legacy of Makonnen Wassanu, a respected leader in the Waju community. Known for his generosity and commitment to supporting the people of Waju, Makonnen Wassanu donated the building that currently houses the temporary library. His vision for education led him to create a space where the community could gather to learn and grow.

While the library has been well-loved and utilized by the community, it is time to rebuild it into a space that can better meet the needs of students, educators, and adult learners alike. With a growing number of adult learners eager to improve their literacy and vocational skills, the rebuilt library will provide an inclusive, accessible learning space for all members of the community. The library will not only serve as a resource for children’s education but also as a space for adults to engage in learning that enhances their personal and professional development.

Through fundraising, partnerships, and community engagement, we aim to raise the necessary funds to tear down and rebuild the library, transforming it into a state-of-the-art educational resource. The library will feature a reading area, learning stations, and a TV room where community members of all ages can access educational programs, fostering growth, self-improvement, and opportunity.

At The Waju Project, we believe in the transformative power of education at every stage of life. Our work is driven by the vision of a brighter future for both the children and adults of Waju, where learning, growth, and opportunity are within reach for all. We invite you to join us in making a lasting difference in the lives of the Waju community. Together, we can help create a space for knowledge, opportunity, and hope.

The Waju Village

Makonnen Wassanu and his wife and children in 1958