ATI Lays Cornerstone for construction of New Kindergarten in Borena

ATI CEO Dr. Mandefro Nigussie along with Mr. Desalegn Duguma Senior Director of Oromia Agricultural Transformation Center, the Borena Zone and Yabello Woreda government officials of the Oromia Regional State,laid the foundation stone for a new kindergarten on August 24, 2026, in Areri Kebele, as part of the Institute’s social responsibility initiatives.

The event brought together community leaders and students from the area, marking an important step towards expanding access to quality early childhood education in the community.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Mandefro said ATI’s commitment extends beyond agricultural transformation to supporting the broader development and empowerment of rural communities and cultivating the future transformation leaders from pastoral communities. He stressed that investing in schools and other essential social infrastructure is an investment in the next generation, helping create the knowledge, skills and human capital needed to drive Ethiopia’s agriculture and rural transformation.

The new kindergarten is expected to be completed ahead of the 2019 Ethiopian academic year and will be fully furnished and ready to welcome students. Dr. Mandefro called for the active participation and support of the local administration and the wider community to ensure the project is completed on time.

The ATI also donated school supplies to 160 students in the area. Furthermore, ATI also delivered a capacity-building training for young people from Yabello Woreda, focusing on positive mindset development and leadership skills.