About
The vision behind our organization is deeply rooted in the life and legacy of Laketch Debebe, the woman we honor through our name—Werkuwa Enate Laketch, meaning “Our Golden Mother.” Laketch was born on April 5, 1941, in the small town of Adulala. Raised in poverty, her early years were marked by hardship. When Laketch was just six years old, she tragically lost her father, an event that left her heartbroken and frustrated by life’s challenges.
Education was a luxury she couldn’t afford, as she had to help her family with farming to survive. Despite her deep desire to learn, her circumstances made it nearly impossible. But her mother, recognizing her determination, sought a better future for her daughter. Eventually, Laketch was sent to Addis Abeba to live with an adoptive family that could offer her an education and a brighter future.
Though Laketch faced mistreatment and many struggles along the way, her resolve never wavered. She persevered, eventually finding a family that supported her educational goals. Through hard work, she not only completed her schooling but also secured a sustainable job. There, she met her husband, and together they raised eight children. Despite her new life, Laketch never forgot her roots—her thoughts often returned to her biological mother and sister in Adulala.
"Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed." – Psalm 82:3
Laketch’s lifelong dream was to provide an education for the underprivileged children of Adulala, offering them a chance to learn, grow, and acquire the skills and values needed to shape a better future. She envisioned a school that would be a beacon of hope and opportunity for the next generation.
Sadly, Laketch passed away before she could fulfill this dream. However, the legacy she left behind lives on through her children and grandchildren, who are now dedicated to bringing her vision to life. It is through their unwavering determination and the inspiration she instilled in them that this organization exists today—to honor her memory and continue her mission of empowering the children of Adulala through education.
Our Mission
At "Werkuwa Enate Laketch (Wur-kwa En-a-teh La-keh-tch) Elementary School" (W.E.L. Elementary School) it is our commitment to provide the children of Adulalas, Ethiopia with an opportunity to achieve & experience, not only the highest level of education, but to also equip them with the tools necessary to become productive citizens in today's society.
At W.E.L. Elementary School our focus is on teaching children to showcase their best behaviors, the importance of their studies, and to build strong lasting relationships amongst their peers. Our school was created to fulfill one woman’s dream of building an elementary school for children who either do not have a parental figure in their life or simply could not afford to attend school. The opportunities here satisfy both missions and we are proud to complete the legacy of our original founder.
