Scorpio News
H.E.L.P: Creating Opportunity in Ethiopia
In a quiet but powerful way, the Helping Education Loretta Project (H.E.L.P.) has been transforming lives across Ethiopia for nearly 20 years. Founded in 2008, H.E.L.P. is a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting public education in Ethiopia through the construction and renovation of schools, the donation of essential learning materials, and student sponsorships. Its impact spans dozens of communities, giving thousands of children a brighter, more stable future. At the heart of H.E.L.P. is its founder and president, Loretta Cointe, an American who has lived for decades in France. After retiring from a long career and seeking a purposeful new chapter, Loretta began teaching English in Ethiopia—an experience that profoundly changed her. Moved by the stark educational conditions she witnessed, she launched H.E.L.P. with a single goal: to improve one school. That modest start quickly grew into a movement.
Now in her 70s, Loretta is a force of nature—resilient, humble, and relentlessly driven. She spends eight months of every year in Ethiopia, personally overseeing projects across remote villages, often traveling rough terrain to ensure every donation is well spent. “I love what I’m doing—it’s not a chore,” she says simply. Fiercely dedicated to minimizing overhead costs, Loretta funds her own travel and housing, employs only a small local team, and has built an organisation where nearly every euro goes straight to those who need it most. Today, H.E.L.P. has built or renovated over 50 school blocks, often in remote mountain villages, provided hundreds of computers and essential equipment, and implemented solar energy and water systems in underserved areas. It has also built kindergartens, labs, libraries, rest areas, and hygienic facilities— all while maintaining a lean, grassroots approach. Beyond infrastructure, the charity has sponsored hundreds of students, covering their school fees, uniforms, medical needs, and even dental care. The impact has been transformative: many students who once saw no path forward are now in university, or working as professionals doctors, pharmacists, statisticians, and more.
Projects completed this year include primary schools in Zozo, Shama Laka, and Doko Kale, which also has a newly constructed lab and IT centre. A total of fifty computers were provided to schools in Shama Laka and Aleltu, and children in Demeka have a new kindergarten.
Though the dedication and integrity of Loretta and her team, H.E.L.P has earned the trust of several generous donors, including Scorpio, whose ongoing support continues to fund schools, laboratories, and sponsor students to achieve a bright future. Loretta’s efforts are a powerful reminder of what determined, compassionate leadership can achieve. Her love for Ethiopia and its children, combined with the tangible impact H.E.L.P. has made across the country, is a testament to the enduring power of education—and the extraordinary change one person can inspire.
To learn more or support H.E.L.P., visit: http://www.help-ethiopia.org
This article featured in Beacon 28; while onboard, all issues are accessible on Docmap.
