Published Thu, Feb 19, 26.
Written by John Warden.

Ottoro, Ethiopia — it feels like the edge of the earth… and a place full of promise.

Tucked high in the lush mountains of southern Ethiopia, Ottoro is a remote rural community in the Hadiya Zone. Sitting at 2,588 meters (8,491 feet) above sea level, the journey there winds through rugged, bumpy roads—often impassable during the rainy season—but the views are worth every mile. Rolling green valleys, misty mountain ridges, and fertile highlands stretch as far as the eye can see. 

Ottoro is home to the Adams Thermal Academy – Ottoro, serving 594 students from the village and surrounding areas. While the total population is undocumented (estimated around 10–15,000), access to education remains limited—less than 10% of residents have attended secondary school, and fewer than 1% have continued beyond grade 12. Most families rely on subsistence farming, growing teff, sorghum, maize, and barley, and basic medical care and resources are scarce.

What Ottoro may lack in infrastructure, it more than makes up for in heart. The community is incredibly hospitable and welcoming. As vehicles arrive, it’s common for herds of children to run alongside—smiling, waving, staring curiously, and shouting “Hello” in an Ethiopian accent. Visitors are greeted with warmth, joy, and the melodic sound of the Hadiyyisa language spoken throughout the village. 

One recent US visitor said it best:
“Ottoro seems like it is literally at the ends of the earth.”

And yet—we believe God is doing good work here. Through education, hope is taking root in this beautiful mountain community. We are deeply thankful to be part of what God is doing in Ottoro and honored to walk alongside students and families as opportunity grows, one classroom at a time.