Third and fourth graders, and their teacher conducting class work outside, which is often done during the hot seasons.

Back then, it provided the early education that prepared students to attend seventh and eighth grade in Gore, Ethiopia. Only a few select students could attend school due to the expense and traveling distance. On-site living arrangements were needed because of the two to three day walk to school.

Those fortunate to be educated at BYS returned to Dembi Dollo able to serve in the medical, educational, and evangelistic roles within the church and community.  The schools’ records from 1930 indicate that four hundred students were enrolled at that time, and in response to the ever-growing and pressing need for an educational institution closer to home, the school became Berhane Yesus, relocating to Dembi Dollo and adding a Junior High School for children to complete their education through eighth grade.

The Western Wollega Bethel Synod of Mekane Yesus Church oversees this vital educational institution.  Berhane Yesus Elementary School continues in its mission to provide a solid educational foundation while preparing students for graduation to the next step in their development; acceptance and enrollment into the program at Bethel Evangelical Secondary School

The academic performance of this school is excellent, and demand for entrance into BYS from the community is very high.  As a result, class sizes continue growing, impacting opportunities for individual teacher/student interaction.  Berhane's enrollment during the 2005-2006 academic year was 615 students; 344 boys and 271 girls. Currently, the 2006-2007 student body has increased by 26%.

The school has a total of twenty on staff, including six administration staff paid by the Church, and fourteen faculty members, of which only four are teachers paid by the government, and one volunteer English teacher from Germany who completed her service last summer.

We are dedicated toward recruiting accomplished teachers able to effectively educate while also consistently elevating the quality of elementary education offered through BYS.  Volunteer teachers serve through several denominations and religious organizations, including PC (USA) and the German mission organization, Berliner Missionswerk, primarily teaching English, Math, Biology and Chemistry classes.

The need for English instruction is ongoing, with two teachers  for this school year's term, and at least one preferably a native-English speaker on a multiple-year assignment.

Berhane Yesus teacher instructing students in History.

Approximately 75% of the budget for operating Berhane Yesus Elementary is funded by the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Ethiopian Education Endowment Fund.  The remaining 25% comes from a combination of support from the Western Wollega Synod budget, students' tuition, and other donors.  While EEEF usually contributes 20% of its funds each year to support school programs, it’s students and faculty, a budget shortfall required additional allocation to BYS.  However, this alone will not address the ongoing operating shortfall, and additional resources are needed.

One viable source for income to underwrite operating expenses is developing the school's land for agricultural production.  Capital funds and action plans are necessary to begin this endeavor, and other projects with strong potential.