River of Hope International works in the Tigray Region of Northern Ethiopia. There are approximately 55 schools in this region. Schoolchildren typically attend school for half a day. One classroom may hold 45-55 children in the morning, and then another 45-55 in the afternoon sitting on the ground when there are no more benches available. Children start attending school in first grade at the age of 8 and continue through 8th grade. At the end of 8th grade, an exam is taken to determine if they qualify for high school. The school year is basically the same as the United States. It begins in Sept. after the rainy season is over and ends the third week of June. To attend school the students must purchase all of their uniforms, books, supplies and pay tuition. For families that are just trying to survive, this can be quite a hardship. Schools have very few supplies, but make the most of what they have. Visuals aids consist of drawings and charts painted on the walls and if the school needs additional classroom space they will put up a primitive shelter joining the existing building. Schools are currently funded by the government but this funding is not permanent and they will need to find a way to support themselves. Some schools are already trying to do this by growing plants and trees that will allow them to gain some income by selling the fruit, vegetables and lumber. River of Hope seeks to help these schools further their efforts to keep their schools open by supplying them with educational supplies and aid in income generating endeavors.