Soliyana Samuel is one of millions of young people in Ethiopia whose education was put on hold due to widespread conflict in the country’s northern and central regions.
“There is no school, no transport, everything is closed. I will not finish my studies as planned,” said Ms. Samuel, a student at the University of Injibara, whose graduation was delayed by at least a year due to the school closures.
While at home in Gondar during the suspension of classes, Ms. Samuel volunteered with a local university chaplaincy program, run by the Cistercians.
“God is the only solution to give peace to people,” said Sister Weinitu Woldesenbet, director of Blessed Gebremichael Catholic School in Bahir Dar, south of Gondar. Her congregation, the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, also provide housing, food and employment to students and their families in the city.
In this video, hear about this reality firsthand from Ms. Samuel, Sister Weinitu and Bishop Lesanuchristos Matheos Semahun of Bahir Dar-Dessie. Then, read more about the church’s efforts to offer solutions amid conflict in “Hope for a Peaceful Future” in the March 2024 issue of ONE.