In the realm of international development, sometimes it takes divine intervention to set a course for change. Stephen McCombe, the Project Leader of Life Changing Technology – Ethiopia, can attest to this as he embarks on a remarkable journey to bring cutting-edge technology to the classrooms of Ethiopia. In this blog post, we delve into his firsthand experiences and the inspiring mission of Life Changing Technology.

A Divine Calling in Ethiopia

As Stephen McCombe reflects on his life’s journey, he acknowledges the profound belief that serving a higher purpose should be our top priority. His path led him to Ethiopia in February 2023, where he embarked on a life-altering mission. During his travels, he visited numerous Ethiopian Kalle Heywet Church (EKHC) schools and an orphanage, setting the stage for a transformative project.

The EKHC network comprises approximately 220 church-run schools across various cities and towns in Southern Ethiopia, educating over 100,000 students. However, during Stephen’s visit, a glaring need emerged – a shortage of technology tools for educators to enhance their teaching methods.

A Fateful Meeting

Upon returning to Canada, Stephen’s faith guided him to an unexpected encounter with Doraine Ross, a 91-year-old missionary with a wealth of experience in Africa. Doraine’s enduring dedication to the cause of missions connected Stephen with Tim Jacobsen and Peter Wallace, who had initiated the Life Changing Technology project. David Hyland joined the group shortly thereafter, forming a dedicated team of four leaders committed to making a difference.

Their efforts found a home in DevXchange International, a Canadian charity, which became the platform for fundraising to provide life-changing technology to students in Ethiopia.

Meeting a Critical Need

The spark that ignited this project came from Dr. Woyita Woza, the head of the education department of EKHC. He confirmed the pressing need for technological resources in schools, emphasizing the necessity of mini desktops, projectors, Bluetooth speakers, and memory sticks. These tools are poised to revolutionize teaching, enabling literacy and numeracy instruction, English as a foreign language courses, Farming God’s Way, and educational videos “Days with Jesus.”

These schools, located in central and southern regions of Ethiopia, are on the cusp of a technological transformation that promises to bridge educational gaps and empower students with knowledge.

A Journey Ahead

As Stephen and his team move forward, they recognize the need to iron out the finer details of the project. This includes addressing logistical challenges such as shipping, providing professional development for staff, ensuring technical support and maintenance, and procuring additional donations. However, they’re already making significant strides, with over $30,000 raised for what they envision as a five-year project with a total budget of approximately $450,000.

Their guiding force remains their unwavering faith and the belief that they are following a divine calling. They seek God’s will and direction in this thrilling opportunity to help teachers enhance their instruction and work with students to transform lives.

A Lasting Impression

During his time in Ethiopia, Dr. Woyita Woza shared a powerful saying, “Once you have tasted the waters of Ethiopia, you will always return.” Stephen McCombe and his team hold on to the hope that, upon their return, they will witness students benefiting from the life-changing technology they are working tirelessly to provide.

In closing, Life Changing Technology – Ethiopia is not just a project; it’s a testament to the remarkable impact that individuals driven by faith and compassion can make in the world. With every donation, prayer, and act of support, they are writing a story of transformation, one classroom at a time, in the heart of Ethiopia.

Want To Get Involved?

Learn more and get involved with this project, check out their campaign page

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