Deborah Village
Deborah Academy
Every child has a purpose. We provide the path to find it.
Established on October 22, 2022, Deborah Academy is a specialized educational institution dedicated to the growth and development of children with Down syndrome. Currently serving 243 students between the ages of 4 and 18, the Academy provides a high-quality, structured environment where every child is empowered to reach their full potential. By using a specialized curriculum and original teaching materials designed specifically for intellectual disabilities, we ensure that our educational approach is as unique as the students we serve.
Our curriculum goes beyond traditional academics to provide a holistic educational pathway. Students begin with early childhood education and progress through academic grades before transitioning into intensive life skills training. This phase focuses on essential daily living, communication, and social skills, allowing students to build the confidence they need for greater independence. Our materials also serve as a vital reference for other schools in Ethiopia, setting a national standard for inclusive education.
As students mature, the Academy provides tailored guidance into either Functional Education or Vocational Training programs. These pathways are based on continuous assessments of each student’s individual strengths and personal interests. By focusing on practical skills and vocational readiness, Deborah Academy ensures that our graduates are not just learners, but valued, contributing members of society who are prepared for a bright and independent future.
Sustainable solar system
Through a generous partnership with our friends in China, Deborah Village is now powered by a state-of-the-art solar energy system. This clean, reliable power source ensures that our classrooms, clinics, and administrative offices never skip a beat, regardless of the local grid. By embracing renewable energy, we aren't just protecting the environment, we are creating a stable, bright, and supportive world where our students with Down syndrome can learn and thrive without interruption
Vegetable Farm
Based in Deborah Village, our gardening program is a hands-on vocational space where students with Down syndrome transform into skilled urban farmers. By planting, nurturing, and harvesting their own produce, our learners develop essential life skills like teamwork, responsibility, and environmental care. Every vegetable grown supports the daily needs of our community, ensuring that our students aren’t just learning, they are providing for a more sustainable and inclusive Ethiopia.
Dairy Farm
The Deborah Foundation Dairy firm is one of the foundation's income-generating activities aimed at supporting the programs and long-term sustainability. The Deborah Farm produces fresh, high-quality milk while maintaining strong standards for animal care, hygiene, and responsible farm management.
Chinese Lacquer Art Training Program
The Path of Stars is a creative collaboration between the Deborah Foundation and China’s Hands & Stars project. By mastering traditional lacquer and carving crafts, our students transform from care recipients into capable artists. This vocational initiative fosters independence, dignity, and creativity, allowing adolescents with Down syndrome to develop practical professional skills. Through every piece created, our learners prove that they are talented creators contributing to a more inclusive and artistic Ethiopia.
Sport Fields
Deborah aims to establish professionally managed basketball, tennis, and football court rental facilities within the Deborah Academy compound in Legetafo. The purpose of this initiative is to provide safe, accessible, and high-quality sports spaces for youth, schools, sports clubs, and community members to participate in recreational and competitive activities.
Through these facilities, Deborah seeks to promote health and wellness, encourage active lifestyles, and strengthen community engagement through sport. It also aims to create opportunities for youth development, teamwork, and organized sports programs while generating sustainable revenue to support the maintenance of the facilities and the broader social mission of Deborah Academy.