With the college the foundation wants to smooth the way for young men and women to a successful future, provide the growing Ethiopian economy with professionals and so contribute to the development of the whole country.
Alongside automotive engineering the students at ATTC can also graduate in manufacturing technology, electricity and electrical engineering and agro-ecology – independent of their financial means. For the study is free. Machines, tools, work clothes, reading books, food and accommodation for over 700 students is covered by donations. Among others, Bükert Werke from Ingelfingen is involved here. The technology company particularly wants to promote talented women, and besides Suse supports a further eleven female students.
“The foundation has been supporting me my whole life,” says Suse. She was born in Mettu, a small town about 1,000 kilometres south-west of Harar, in a hospital which Menschen für Menschen had built. Later she went to primary and secondary schools, both of which had likewise been constructed by the charity. And when graduates from ATTC enthused to her about the college, her interest was awakened, and she booked into the entrance test. “I studied hard.” Suse knew that ATTC is popular, and that each academic year between 1,500 and 2,000 hopefuls apply for about 200 places. “The confirmation came by SMS. I called my father at once. He was even happier than I was.”