Our Sister School Program provides a wonderful opportunity for students in the United States to learn about the culture of Ethiopia and engage in a fundraising project that will have a lasting impact on a school in Ethiopia. However, this program is not just for schools. Homeschool groups, community groups, churches or even families can participate! If a school or group agrees to partner with River of Hope, they will receive an information packet about their sister school and its surrounding community. This packet will include pictures of their sister school. It will also include information that teachers or leaders can use in their classrooms or groupsto increase cultural awareness. A partnership with River of Hope comes at absolutely no cost to the school or group. If you are an interested parent, teacher or leader, we will provide you with a letter that you can submit to your administration, school board or governing leaders. In agreeing to partner with River of Hope, the school or group is agreeing to do at least one fundraiser for their sister school. This fundraiser will help bring much needed supplies for the school in Ethiopia. Your packet with cultural information will arrive shortly after you notify us of a date for your fundraiser.

Fundraisers can be organized by a parent volunteer, the PTO, or a student group. Lots of times groups such as student council, beta club or a community service group look for opportunities such as this. Fundraisers do not have to be complicated! River of Hope will support you as you fund raise in any way possible.

Ideas for fundraisers include:
penny drives - These are easy to do. Simply place a collection container in each classroom. You would be surprised how much pennies add up!

walk- a -thons - Kids get sponsors who pay by how much they walk!

African dinners - Prepare African food and sell tickets for people to sample. Look for recipes online, or ask us for help! This can be combined with a raffle or auction.

raffles/auctions - Get parents or businesses to donate items to be raffled or auctioned. These can be goods or services!

garage sales - students and parents donate items for a garage sale with all profits benefiting your school in Ethiopia. Don't take the time to mark most items. Advertise that most items are only $1.00 and it cuts your prep time!

A school may also wish to raise the price of their tickets to a certain event (like Homecoming or Prom) and donate that one dollar to River of Hope.