The Mako Foundation serves grades 1-5 in West Arsi Shashemene, giving underprivileged children the gift of education.
When parents rise up, children thrive. We help mothers gain skills, confidence, and economic independence.
600+
Students learning at Kadimak School
41
Containers provided for Ethiopia in 2025
4+
Water projects completed (digging wells for clean water)
About Mako Foundation
The Mako Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting underprivileged children and youth through education and healthcare initiatives in Ethiopia and the United States. Originating from a family's effort to assist their hometown of West Arsi Shashemene, Ethiopia, the Foundation has grown to build schools serving grades 1-5 in Ethiopia. We are committed to creating educational opportunities that empower students to succeed and contribute to their communities. Additionally, in collaboration with Project C.U.R.E., we are expanding our mission to healthcare, aiming to make a lasting impact one hospital, clinic, and patient at a time. Our diverse initiatives reflect our commitment to holistic community support, both in Ethiopia and in the United States
The Mako foundation is a non-profit organization that is working to expand community education for women and children in Oromia. We are providing a school for young children in Oromia while also empowering their parents to rise-up in their community.
WHAT WE DO
Mako Foundation achieves its work through its programs.
In many parts of West Arsi, Oromia, mothers give birth without access to basic medical equipment. The Mako Foundation provides hospital beds, delivery pads, and essential supplies to clinics serving pregnant women. We believe no mother should risk her life giving birth simply because a bed or a pad is missing. Your support helps us stock local clinics with the tools they need to save lives.
Many families in West Arsi, Oromia cannot afford even the modest costs of public school—fees, uniforms, books, supplies, and transportation. Without financial aid, bright children are forced to drop out before completing primary school. The Mako Foundation provides need-based scholarships and financial aid to ensure no child is left behind simply because their family cannot pay. We believe every child deserves the chance to learn, regardless of their family's income.
Orphaned students in Shashamene face incredible odds. Without parents to pay school fees, buy uniforms, or provide basic supplies, many are forced to drop out. The Mako Foundation identifies orphaned students in grades 1-5 and provides everything they need to stay in school: tuition support, uniforms, books, meals, and mentorship. We don't just sponsor a child—we walk with them until they graduate.
Water scarcity affects every part of life in rural Oromia—health, hygiene, farming, and even school attendance. Children walk hours each day to fetch dirty water instead of attending class. The Mako Foundation digs ground wells and provides clean water access to entire communities. One well can serve hundreds of families, reduce waterborne disease, and give children back their time to learn.
Equb and Idir are traditional Ethiopian community organizations where neighbors support each other in times of need—funerals, weddings, emergencies, and celebrations. The Mako Foundation strengthens these groups by providing farming materials, tools, and school supplies so they can better serve their members. When we help Eqb and Idir thrive, we help entire villages lift themselves up.
Your donation provides medical beds for mothers, scholarships for orphaned students, clean water wells, and supplies for community groups like Eqb and Idir. Every dollar stays local. Every child gains a future.
Updates, stories and insights from our work around the world.
It is with deep sorrow and heartfelt remembrance that we honor the life of Mr. Leta Badhaso Shuffo, …
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To all the leaders, members, and donors of Project C.U.R.E. (medical equipment donor), Mako Foundati…
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Dhaabbanni Makkoo Foundation jedhamu meeshaalee yaalaa qarshii miliyoona dhibba afuritti tilmaamamu…
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We collaborate with local and international partners to maximize impact.
