Forty-five years after fleeing Ethiopia with her family, Rebecca Haile, together with her husband Jean Manas, founded Haile-Manas Academy (HMA), a co-educational boarding school aimed at re-envisioning high school education in Ethiopia. 

Ethiopia grapples with persistent poverty, conflict, and economic instability, juxtaposed against a youthful population hungry for knowledge and opportunity. In response to these challenges, HMA opened its doors in 2020, welcoming an inaugural class of thirty-five ninth-grade students. HMA was a HALI Access mentee organization in the year 2023 – mentored by our member Education Matters / USAP Community Schools – before becoming a member in 2024. 

At HMA, the educational philosophy transcends traditional boundaries. We prioritize intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, and community-mindedness through a rigorous curriculum that integrates Ethiopian National Standards with innovative, student-centered approaches.

Unlike conventional Ethiopian education, which often relies on rote learning and limited engagement, HMA champions active learning and technology integration. Every student receives an iPad upon enrollment, ensuring access to digital resources and fostering essential digital literacy skills. Through project-based learning and interdisciplinary coursework, students are encouraged to explore their interests, collaborate with peers, and develop practical skills that prepare them for higher education and beyond. Integral to our educational philosophy is the belief that service learning cultivates empathy, compassion, and a strong sense of civic responsibility. All students at HMA actively participate in service learning initiatives, dedicating 1.5 hours per week during the academic year to projects that benefit local communities.

As HMA marks a significant milestone with the graduation of its first senior class in May 2024, we celebrate not only the accomplishments of our students but also the transformative impact of our educational mission in Ethiopia. Half of our inaugural senior class has embarked on remarkable journeys abroad, supported by full scholarships to prestigious institutions in the United States, Hong Kong, Qatar, Lebanon, and Turkey. This achievement underscores HMA’s commitment to providing global opportunities and equipping students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in international settings. These scholars represent the next generation of global leaders, poised to make a meaningful impact in their respective fields and communities worldwide.

HMA has also made history as the 5th SAT test center in Ethiopia and the first outside of Addis Ababa, the nation’s capital. This milestone is a testament to our dedication to enhancing educational access and opportunities for students across Ethiopia, particularly in rural areas like Debre Birhan. By providing a local testing center, we have facilitated easier access for students aspiring to pursue higher education abroad, breaking down barriers and opening doors to limitless possibilities.

Haile-Manas Academy (HMA) shares a profound alignment with the HALI Access Network’s mission through its commitment to providing equitable educational opportunities for high-achieving, low-income students in Ethiopia. As an access school, HMA focuses on nurturing talented learners who might otherwise face barriers to quality education due to financial constraints. By fostering a supportive learning environment and preparing students for international higher education, HMA embodies HALI’s vision of leveling the playing field in education. Both organizations recognize the transformative power of education, believing that when empowered, these students can become community-builders and leaders, thereby making a significant impact on their campuses and beyond. Together, they are dedicated to unlocking the potential of high achieving students, ensuring that financial limitations do not hinder their educational aspirations.

To learn more about HMA, please visit https://www.hmacademy.org.