August 1, 2025
Dear Friends and Supporters,
This coming September marks 21 years since we opened Fregenet Kidan Lehitsanat School to nourish and educate children from underserved communities in Addis Ababa. Together with our committed supporters in the U.S., local officials, staff, and volunteers in Ethiopia, we celebrate this milestone with deep gratitude and pride in what we have accomplished.
For over two decades, The Fregenet Foundation has served as a beacon of hope for children and families. As we reflect on this incredible journey, we are excited to share our five-year strategic plan, which outlines our path toward becoming a self-sustained organization through innovative income-generating initiatives.
Since its founding in September 2004, The Fregenet Foundation and Fregenet Kidan Lehitsanat School have remained dedicated to providing vital educational opportunities and resources to more than 600 children from underserved communities. What began as a grassroots effort has grown into a comprehensive network of programs, historically supported by diverse fundraising efforts. Now, we are preparing to shift toward funding most of our operations through our own successful ventures.
We are incredibly proud of the past 21 years—and particularly of the steps we’re taking toward financial independence. These income-generating activities will make us more agile and resilient, allowing us to expand our impact without relying solely on external donations. This five-year plan reflects the hard work of our staff, the passion of our volunteers, and the steadfast support of our community partners who have always believed in our mission.
Throughout our journey, we have raised funds through traditional channels—small grants, corporate matching programs, student sponsorships, community dinners, and marathon fundraisers. These efforts have been instrumental in sustaining our work thus far.
As we evolve beyond these traditional models, we’re laying the groundwork for long-term sustainability. In late 2024, leveraging our modest savings, recent currency exchange gains, and strong local fundraising, we invested 2 million birr in two financial institutions in Addis Ababa. These companies have consistently paid over 40% dividends for the past three years. While continuing to run the school, we plan to invest further in financial markets and explore rental housing development opportunities to diversify our portfolio in the next five years.
Our holistic approach to child development continues to focus on early childhood education, health and wellness, social-emotional learning, and family support. With the strength of a self-sustaining financial model, we are empowered to help children overcome challenges, reach their potential, and build brighter futures.
Looking ahead, we remain unwavering in our commitment to the children we serve. We aim to expand our early literacy programs and reach even more preschool-aged children, confident in our ability to sustain these efforts.
By 2030, we envision The Fregenet Foundation as a fully self-sustained organization, primarily powered by our own income-generating activities. Our dream is to continue this work independently of traditional fundraising, while maintaining and growing our impact.
Our vision is a community where every child has the opportunity to succeed and the chance to thrive. We are honored to be a part of so many remarkable journeys—and with your continued support, we look forward to the future with hope and determination.
With heartfelt gratitude,
The Fregenet Foundation