Gerrit and Nel Barnhoorn Scholarship Awards 2025
On October 23, 2025, for the fifth time, the Gerrit and Nel Barnhoorn Scholarships were awarded to four Sher School graduates. The Barnhoorn family are the founders of Sher Ethiopia and the schools. Each year, four outstanding students are selected to receive this scholarship, which helps cover a portion of their study expenses and at the university of their choice in Ethiopia. The main goal of the scholarship is to support high-achieving students from disadvantaged backgrounds in pursuing higher education.
This year’s scholarship recipients — Yohannes Minase, Hussien Kabeto, Yubo Gutu, and Ababo Kedir received their prizes from Mr. Andrew Brook Smith, Operations Director of Sher Ethiopia on behalf of Sher Management, and Mr. Bedassa Reba, Senior Representative of the Mayor’s Office. Both guests congratulated the winners and expressed appreciation to Sher School teachers and staff for their dedicated work over the past 16 years.
In addition, the Senior Representative of the Mayor`s office expressed appreciation to the company for its unlimited support for quality education and community development, as well as for its contribution to the country`s economic growth.
Out of all graduating students, eight were nominated for the scholarship, and four were selected as winners. The remaining four students received laptops in recognition of their excellent performance.
This year, three teachers were recognized for their students’ outstanding results in the national exam. The teachers of Chemistry, English and Mathematics were appreciated by the company and the school management. As part of the recognition, they were presented with a Gabi- the traditional Ethiopian blanket symbolizing love and respect.
The award ceremony took place in the presence of the students’ families, members of Sher Ethiopia’s management, the Batu Education Office Head, community elders, Sher School staff, the Parents Committee, and several government officials.
We are extremely proud of our students, who represent the positive impact that Sher Ethiopia continues to have on the community in Ziway and its surroundings. We wish all our graduates’ great success in their future endeavors.
Sher Ethiopia Schools accommodate over 6,500 students across three locations. Each year, on average 400 new students tarting from the age of four are admitted to Sher Schools, with enrollment equally divided between the children of employees and those from the local community.
