In a classroom marked “Computer Room” at Koye Senior Secondary School, the quiet hum of newly powered machines fills the air. Pairs of students lean over their screens, learning the fundamentals of computer operations — a skill that, until recently, was a rare privilege here.

Among them is 18-year-old Fiker Nigatu, a top student preparing for Ethiopia’s Grade 12 National Examination. Fiker, who grew up in the nearby Koye Feche neighborhood of Lemi Kura Sub-City, now spends extra hours practicing on a computer — something that was nearly impossible a few months ago.

Thanks to a recent donation from Satguru Travel and Tourism LLC, a Dubai-based travel agency, the school’s once-limited computer lab has come alive. The company’s contribution of computers has given students like Fiker access to digital tools more frequently and conveniently than ever before.

“Before the donation, we could only use the computer room once a week,” Fiker said. “Now, more of us can practice regularly, and it’s really helping with our studies.”

The school, which serves thousands of students, had struggled with a shortage of digital resources. Today, rows of newly installed computers and chairs accommodate larger groups, giving every class a chance to participate in basic computer training.

“The improved access has encouraged many of us to develop digital skills that are essential for our future,” Fiker added. “It helps us become more creative and better prepared for university.”

Yet, even with this progress, the number of computers remains far below the school’s needs. “What we have now is a big improvement,” Fiker said. “But if we had more, every student could learn equally and without interruption.”

Two of Fiker’s peers — Biniam Million and Nohamin Kinfe, both preparing for the national exam — share his hope that other organizations will follow Satguru’s lead.

Biniam praised the donation, adding that free and reliable Wi-Fi would further transform their learning. “With internet access, we could explore more educational materials and find better academic information,” he said.

For Nohamin, technology offers a bridge to a broader world. “Computers connect us to new ideas,” she said. “If we had internet access too, we could watch short lessons and explanations online that make our studies clearer.”

Their aspirations echo those of many Ethiopian students, who see technology not as a luxury but as a path toward equality and opportunity. It symbolizes a chance to imagine a different future.

The computers that Fiker and his classmates now use are part of a larger initiative that began far from the school’s dusty compound. Their arrival followed a ceremony that brought together educators, government officials, and representatives from Satguru.

The excitement was palpable at the school one recent morning, as students, parents, and officials gathered in the modest school courtyard for a ceremony that promised change. Representatives from the Oromia Regional State, the Koye Fetche Education Bureau, and the Parents Association joined students and teachers to celebrate a milestone — the donation of computers and tables by the Dubai-based agency with operations in 75 countries.

The handover was led by Anil Chandirani, representing the company’s founder. In his remarks, Chandirani said Satguru’s leadership had been inspired by a simple but powerful goal: to expand digital access for students in underserved communities.

“The founder and his son believe every child deserves the chance to learn through technology,” representatives said. “They started by donating computers to schools in India — and now, this effort has grown to reach schools around the world.”

The initiative, Satguru representatives explained, aims to close the digital divide by equipping schools that lack access to computers and online learning tools. Ethiopia was added to the program after Satguru’s local office was asked to identify one school that would benefit most from such support.

After consultations with non-governmental organizations and education partners, Koye Feche Secondary School was chosen — not only for its academic promise but also for its diverse student body.

“The school brings together students from all corners of Ethiopia — including those affected by displacement or living with disabilities,” said a Satguru Ethiopia representative. “Some of its students have come from neighboring countries like Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Djibouti, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. That diversity made Koye Feche the right place to begin this initiative.”

The donation, he added, was just the beginning: “We hope this marks the start of broader cooperation and more contributions in the future.”

For Taddle Kebede, the principal of the School, the gesture represents more than just a set of machines — it’s a symbol of progress. The school currently serves over 3,000 students, many of whom were relocated from central Addis Ababa during the city’s corridor renovation project. Among them are more than 50 students from neighboring countries, including Eritrea and South Sudan.

Before the donation, the school’s single digital library contained just 22 computers — far too few for its growing population. The new computers from Satguru have allowed the school to open an additional lab, giving students greater access to technology-based learning.

“Even with the new equipment, demand remains high,” Taddle said. “Our student numbers keep increasing, and we’re doing our best to ensure everyone has a chance to learn. But we still need more support.”

He expressed gratitude to the company while urging other organizations and individuals to join the effort.

“Education today cannot succeed without digital support,” Taddle told The Reporter. “We call on all concerned citizens and institutions to help us give these students the tools they need to thrive.”