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Building a future for Ethiopian children

04 Mar 2020

Sponsor and support Veronique Rizzuto, who's running the Manchester Universities 5k run to raise funds for the Ethiopian charity she founded

Veronique Rizzuto is the Founder and Trustee of a small UK registered charity* which helps to improve the lives of communities in Ethiopia by providing housing and sanitation, educational opportunities and support income generating projects.

Veronique set up the charity fifteen years ago after a trip to Ethiopia working as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. She was so struck by the abject poverty, misery and despair of young people in particular that she was determined to help build a better life for some of the people she met. The Charity’s two main projects were the construction and furnishing of a library and latrines at Karagutu School and the building of homes for some of the former leprosy families living in Dessie. 

Veronique has just returned from Ethiopia where she revisited Tita Elementary School where Building Hope co-funded the construction of two blocks of toilets for girls and boys as the existing toilets were health hazard. Veronique was pleased to see that the toilets were well built and in good working order and pupils had access to handwashing facilities. She also spent time with the children and teachers at the Kindergarten school (3-6 years old) which has 4 classrooms for 220 children and was shown the canteen which has no furniture due to a lack of resources. The children are currently having lunch in classrooms. 

Veronique received a warm welcome by the families who were rehoused by Building Hope and a small celebration was arranged for her with popcorn and coffee ceremony.  She discussed with the local Association of Persons affected by leprosy how to create income generating opportunities for the community so they can support themselves better.   

On the 18 March Veronique will take part in the Manchester Universities 5K Run to raise funds to purchase basic furniture for the KG school canteen.

  • If you would like to sponsor Veronique please go to wonderful.org.

For further information:

*Charity No. 1110814