A message from the General Manager

From the beautiful city of Jimma, Ethiopia—home to our first campus and headquarters—ElDan stands as a center of excellence in teaching and learning. Deeply rooted in the community, we are passionately dedicated to being a positive force in children's education and character development, guided by compassion. We believe there is no greater calling than to inspire curiosity and nurture both the hearts and minds of young children—striking a balance between academic achievement and character development.

At ElDan, we have proudly led the way in shaping brighter futures for children—building strong foundations for lives filled with purpose, joy, and a lasting impact on the community. Our commitment to high-quality education, enriched by co-curricular activities, empowers students to grow into well-rounded individuals. From the wonder-filled days of kindergarten through the transformative high school years, we have created a thoughtful and supportive journey for every child.

For over two decades, we have had the privilege of walking alongside families, watching students thrive academically, emotionally, and ethically. Our experience has shown that our approach works—nurturing capable, compassionate, and confident learners who are ready to navigate the world with integrity. We are honored to partner with families in this important work, unlocking the potential within every child.

ElDan School is a vibrant and welcoming place for your child to learn and grow, staffed with a team of experienced teachers and dedicated support personnel to providing a first-class learning and care environment set on beautiful, open and natural campuses. I warmly invite you to visit one of our two campuses and discover firsthand the difference ElDan can make for your child.

Our promise to families and children: Knowledge. Character. Impact.

Galatoomaa!

Kidist Behute, BA, MA
General Manager

Mitiku Degu, Director, ElDan Highschool Jimma

Mr. Mitiku Degu is a seasoned educational leader with over 35 years of experience as a teacher, supervisor and director at various educational institutions. Prior to joining ElDan, Mr. Mitku served in various capacities at Jimma Comprehensive High School, Gadda College, Rift Valley University College, Admas University College, and Alpha University College.

Mr. Mitiku has served with dedication and heart—first as an accomplished mathematics teacher, and more recently as the Director of ElDan Jimma High School. His approach is deeply student-centered. Teaching is more than a profession to him; it's a vocation. He learns alongside his students and finds immense joy in witnessing their growth—both academically and in character. One of the most memorable moments in his career came when a student expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying, "You wore out your hand with chalk, only to make mine shine like gold." This simple yet powerful message captures the transformative impact of education and Mr. Mitiku’s deep contribution to that journey. A sincere tribute to a devoted educator, from a former student to the teacher who generously guided and shaped him.

For Mr. Mitiku, there is no greater reward than empowering students to pursue their dreams and witnessing the positive change they bring to themselves and their communities. As a core member of the ElDan leadership team, he values strong collaboration—with parents, students, teachers, the community, and the city’s education department—to ensure effective teaching, learning, and the smooth operation of the school.

Mr. Mitiku holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Jimma University, along with a certification in Educational Planning and Management and a Diploma in Agricultural Sciences. His passion for lifelong learning has also led him to pursue studies in Child and Adult Psychology, enabling him to support student development with both insight and compassion.

Mr. Mekonnen Kibret, Director, ElDan Primary School - Jimma

As the Director of Jimma ElDan Primary School, Mr. Mekonnen oversees the day-to-day operations of both academic and co-curricular programs, ensuring an effective teaching and learning environment. He also works closely with parents and the wider school community to foster strong, collaborative relationships.

With experience teaching at both the primary and secondary levels, Mr. Mekonnen brings a deep commitment to education—viewing it not just as a profession, but as his life's work. He believes that teaching is fundamentally about students: shaping their futures with knowledge, skills, and kindness while helping them grow into responsible, well-cultivated individuals.

To Mr. Mekonnen, education is also about instilling discipline, nurturing positive attitudes, and guiding young people to discover and reach their full potential. As he puts it: “It is through education that we build the leaders of tomorrow—equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to create a better future for themselves and their communities. This is what we strive to do at ElDan, with the highest quality and integrity.”

Mr. Mekonnen holds a Diploma in Teaching from Jimma Teacher's Training Institute and a Bachelor's degree in Geography from Haromaya University.

Mr. Hailu Fentaye

Mr. Hailu has dedicated his career to the field of education, recognizing its life-changing power in shaping young minds and preparing them for the future. With decades of experience in the education sector, he views teaching as a mission to empower the next generation by instilling knowledge, strong values, and moral character.

He deeply appreciates the trust that parents place in ElDan School to guide their children's learning and personal growth, ensuring that they are ready to face life's challenges with confidence. Mr. Hailu believes that meaningful collaboration between teachers, parents and the wider community is essential to ensuring a bright and successful future for every student.

Throughout his journey in education, Mr. Hailu emphasizes two essential lessons for students: love and empathy - the ability to put oneself in another's shoes. He believes love, though freely given, brings immeasurable returns and leaves a lasting legacy that extends across generations. As he puts it: “With this vision, we at ElDan are committed to fostering wisdom, goodness, happiness, and peace in the lives of every student—nurturing them to become multi-talented individuals ready to make a positive impact in the world.”

Mr. Hailu holds a Bachelor’s degree in Language Studies from Addis Ababa University.

Ms. Gelila Iyasu, Kindergarden Director- ElDan Jimma

For the past 21 years, Mrs. Gelila has had the privilege of teaching young children—a journey that has been as enriching for her as it has been for her students. Over the years, she has not only taught but also learned invaluable life lessons from the children in her care—lessons in kindness, gentleness, forgiveness, and unconditional love. She believes these are the very qualities we must nurture in children, as they are essential to building a better world.

Mrs. Gelila sees early childhood education as a powerful opportunity to shape the adults children will become. At ElDan School, she and her team take this responsibility seriously, beginning with the foundational stages of learning. From the moment children begin holding pencils, practicing coloring, aligning dots, recognizing letters, and counting numbers, they are guided step by step. Mrs. Gelila and her team are deeply involved in helping children learn to pronounce their names, form syllables into words, and eventually build full sentences—developing both their basic academic skills and moral foundations along the way. At the Kindergarten level, she works to create a strong foundation to a nurturing and engaging environment where every child can thrive and be happy.

Nothing brings Mrs. Gelila more joy than seeing her students learn, play and grow. With a deep commitment to laying the strongest possible foundation for each child, Mrs. Gelila remains devoted to helping every child become a happy, healthy, and curious individual ready for lifelong success. In her own words, “Our goal is not only to lay a strong foundation for a child's lifelong learning, development, and well-being, but also to nurture moral values—helping them grow into capable, compassionate individuals who live in harmony with others.”

Mrs. Gelila specializes in early child hood learning and the development of basic skills in young children.

Mr Tamirat Admasu, Deputy Director- ElDan Jimma High School

Mr. Tamirat Admasu is deputy director of Jimma ElDan High School. In this role, Mr. Tamirat has had the privilege of witnessing the pivotal role of education in shaping young minds and preparing them for a bright and promising future. He believes that education is not merely about imparting knowledge, but about fostering growth, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose in every student.

At ElDan School, Mr. Tamirat is committed to helping create an environment where students feel supported academically, emotionally, and socially. He emphasizes that true education extends beyond exams and grades—it is about empowering students to realize their potential, understand their needs, and develop the resilience required to navigate life’s challenges.

Mr. Tamirat is passionate about nurturing students who are not only academically capable but also kind, confident, and ready to make meaningful contributions to society. His vision is to see every student leave ElDan not just as learners, but as future leaders—prepared to face the world with strength and empathy.

Mr. Tamirat holds a Bachelor's degree in School and Counseling Psychology from Woldia University, a background that has deepened his understanding of the critical role education plays in personal and community development.

Mr. Yadeta Ayana, Director, ElDan Agaro

Mr. Yadeta Ayana is the director of ElDan's second campus in Agaro city which is about 45 km from the Headquarters and Jimma campus. Mr. Yadeta firmly believes that education is the cornerstone of a nation’s progress, providing individuals with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking necessary for economic, social, and political development. He recognizes the vital role that both government and private institutions play in advancing education and is proud to contribute to this mission through his leadership at ElDan Agaro Primary School.

Under his guidance, the school remains committed to delivering high-quality education with dedication and a strong emphasis on ethics. This commitment was reflected in the outstanding results for 2023/24, when all students successfully passed the regional 6th and 8th grade exams. Mr. Yadeta is determined to maintain and exceed this standard, especially as the school prepares for this year's 6th grade exams and for future years.

Mr. Yadeta is passionate about nurturing students who are not only academically capable but also kind, confident, and ready to make meaningful contributions to society. His vision is to see every student leave ElDan not just as learners, but as future leaders—prepared to face the world with strength and empathy.

Beyond academics, Mr. Yadeta champions the integration of innovative tools into the curriculum, supports multilingual education by encouraging the use of students’ mother tongues, and fosters an inclusive learning environment. He is dedicated to helping students express their values, grow with confidence, and prepare for a brighter, more empowered future.

Mr. Yadeta holds a degree in Education Planning and Management (EDPM) from Jimma University.