We first came into contact with Arabella Stewart through Project Pencil Case whose objective is to provide fully equipped pencil cases (and other basic school supplies) to school children. She subsequently approached us with her idea of an Ethiopian Social Enterprise aimed at providing vocational training in sewing and fashion design for underprivileged women in Addis Ababa. Arabella grew up in Ethiopia as a child and returned to develop Project Pencil Case, which she then ran jointly with Ethiopian teacher Mikele Goitom.

Established 5 years ago, Arakele plc (run by Arabella and Mikele) provides scholarships or reduced tuition to mainly female students, most of who have failed 10th and 12th grades and are, as a result, without prospects. They can attend night school alongside the daytime courses to learn academic skills or retake their failed exams.

Continuing the liaison with Project Pencil Case, Arakele students make and produce uniforms for donation to underprivileged primary school students as part of the school’s Corporate Social Responsibility. The students themselves are paid for the uniforms they produce. Arakele will also be making and providing pencil cases to underprivileged students in the future.

Some of the goals of Arakele are to contribute to the economic and social benefits of the country by training women ready for sustainable employment and to encourage more women to learn the art and skill of sewing and design.