On June 18, the World’s Best School Prizes announced finalist schools across five categories, naming Gelan Number 2 Pre-Primary and Primary School in Addis Ababa one of ten finalists in the Environmental Action category. Geneva Global Ethiopia has supported Gelan 2 for more than five years through the introduction of Speed School, Self-Help Groups, and active learning practices.
The World’s Best School Prizes are the world’s most prestigious education awards, giving inspirational schools a global platform. They nominate ten finalists across five categories: Supporting Healthy Lives, Overcoming Adversity, Innovation, Environmental Action, and Community Collaboration. Voting is open until July 9, and the winners for each category will be announced in November. Help us shine a spotlight on Gelan 2’s incredible achievements by casting your vote and supporting a school that is changing lives from the ground up.
Empowering Learners, Engaging Families
Gelan 2 has long stood out for its student-centered approach, a core focus of its partnership with Geneva Global. In every classroom, learners engage in activity-based lessons that make education dynamic, hands-on, and relevant to their lives. This strong foundation, built through years of training and support, has made it possible for the school to take on innovative, community-driven initiatives that extend learning beyond the classroom.
One key intervention was the launch of a Self-Help Group for mothers and caregivers, introduced through the Geneva Global Speed School program at Gelan 2 in 2020. These groups began as a way to help Speed School families sustain education costs through income-generating activities and community-based support. Over time, they expanded to include caregivers from the broader school, helping to launch the sustainable agricultural project that has become central to Gelan 2’s environmental work.
Building on this model, Gelan 2’s leadership implemented a sustainable agricultural initiative. Mothers farm produce, raise animals, and prepare meals for students and the wider community. Students actively participate in the process, learning lessons in teamwork, leadership, and self-worth. Teachers integrate farming into their lessons, making education even more contextualized and engaging.
This nomination is not just a recognition of Gelan 2. It is also a reflection of five years of strategic support and innovation that helped lay the groundwork for sustainable, community-led solutions.
To celebrate the achievement, the school collaborated with education authorities from the Ministry and the Addis Sub-City Education Bureau to host a special event. Speakers praised the leadership of Gelan 2, its dedicated teachers, students, and mothers, and acknowledged Geneva Global’s consistent partnership and support over the years.
The celebration featured student performances, an art exhibition, and a special lunch made entirely from ingredients grown in the school gardens.
Gelan 2 offers a powerful model for how schools can integrate education, livelihood, and community mobilization to improve outcomes across multiple fronts: academic, environmental, and social.
Voting is open until July 9, and the winners will be announced in November. Help us shine a spotlight on Gelan 2’s incredible achievements. Cast your vote today and support a school that is changing lives from the ground up.
