On January 9, Dr. Abyi Ford and local officials inaugurated a new facility for the Mignon Lorraine Innes (MLI) Ford Primary School. The U.S. Government contributed funds to support construction of the school’s library, latrines, and a security wall. The ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication marked the completion of the work, which began in 2009.
Approximately 350 students attend the school, supported by a staff of about 50 persons. The students and faculty organized a special performance in honor of the new building.
The school was founded by the Ford family. Dr. Abyi Ford’s parents came to Ethiopia in the early 1930s from the United States as part of the pan-African movement. His mother opened the Mignon Lorraine Innes Ford Primary School shortly afterwards.