Bethel Mekane Yesus School
Bethel Mekane Yesus School
One hundred years ago, a boarding school for girls opened its doors in Addis Ababa. This September, Bethel Mekane Yesus School marked that centennial — welcoming alumnae, church leaders, teachers and current students back to campus to celebrate a hundred years of faith, education and service.
The story of Bethel Mekane Yesus School began with a vision to transform lives through education, healthcare and the Gospel. Its roots can be traced to the missionary work of Dr. Thomas Lambie, an American physician and Presbyterian missionary who came to western Ethiopia during the Spanish influenza epidemic of 1918. What began as medical care in Sayo, present-day Dembi Dollo, grew into ministry and education — and, by 1924, into a boarding school in Addis Ababa that combined the national curriculum with biblical education.
During the centennial program, the school's journey was remembered through its names — from the Annie Campbell George Memorial Girls' School, named in memory of the wife of a major benefactor who supported the mission hospital, to the American Mission Girls' School, to Yehiwot Birhan — "Light of Life" — and finally to Bethel Mekane Yesus School, reflecting its relationship with the Bethel Synods and the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus.
The school's history has not been without hardship. During the Italian occupation, most foreign missionaries were forced to leave Ethiopia, and the school continued with limited resources and, at times, only a handful of students. It persisted, moved to its present location after the occupation ended, and gradually grew from a primary school into a full Kindergarten–Grade 12 institution.
Today, BMYS is recognized by the Addis Ababa Education Bureau and follows the Ministry of Education curriculum, while still holding to the conviction that founded it a century ago: that educating a girl transforms her family, her church and her community. As the school enters its next hundred years, that mission continues — carried forward by teachers, students, alumnae and the wider BMYS community.
Alumnae interested in reconnecting with classmates or supporting the next century of BMYS students can find more information through the AYBS Alumni Association.