Mekelle/Tel Aviv/Nairobi/Pretoria/London
Lae’ake Tesfay: Building Futures Through Education in Tigray
By Chekole Alemu
Lae’ake Tesfay’s story is rooted in rural Tigray, where he was born to farming parents and raised in modest conditions. At the age of nine, he moved to Mekelle, a transition that marked the beginning of a long and difficult journey shaped by struggle, discipline, and persistence.
Life in the city was not easy. Financial hardship followed him through his early years. Although he completed Grade 12, limited resources prevented him from continuing to university. Instead of giving up, Lae’ake turned to business. What began as a survival choice gradually became a path to success. Over time, he built himself into a respected entrepreneur, proving that formal higher education is not the only route to impact when vision and determination are present.
His success, however, did not end with personal achievement. Lae’ake made a deliberate decision to invest in education, the very opportunity he once lacked. In 2002 E.C., driven by a strong sense of social responsibility rather than profit, he founded Daaro Academy. From the outset, the school was conceived as a service to the community, grounded in the belief that education is the foundation of sustainable development and social transformation.
Daaro Academy provides education from kindergarten through Grade 12. From the moment one enters its compound, the school challenges common assumptions about educational infrastructure in the region. The campus is surrounded by greenery that creates a calm and healthy learning environment. The trees and open spaces are intentional, reflecting the belief that students learn best in spaces that nurture both mind and well-being.
The school is equipped with a modern library and well-established physics, chemistry, and computer laboratories. Early childhood classrooms are clean, well furnished, and designed to support learning through age-appropriate tools, including audiovisual materials and playground facilities. A school nurse is also available, reinforcing the importance of student health alongside academic performance.
A defining feature of Daaro Academy is its focus on practical education. Within the school compound, students engage in irrigation-based agriculture and livestock management, including cattle, sheep, and goats. According to school manager Daniel Kidu, this approach helps students connect classroom theory with real-life practice, particularly in science and agriculture-related subjects.
The school also runs a cafeteria that offers meals at affordable prices. In today’s high-cost environment, especially in Tigray, this service provides relief for families and allows students to focus on learning without additional pressure.
Beyond facilities, Daaro Academy places strong emphasis on educational quality. The school employs competent teachers known for professional ethics and subject mastery. Technology-integrated learning is increasingly part of daily instruction, helping students adapt to modern educational demands and practical problem-solving.
Daniel Kidu notes that the professional culture of the school is strongly supported by the leadership approach of its owner. He explains that Lae’ake Tesfay closely follows the academy’s overall direction and consistently encourages innovation and high standards. At the same time, Lae’ake and his wife maintain a supportive but non-intrusive role, deliberately avoiding interference in daily operations and academic decisions. This balance, the manager says, allows the school to function professionally, with clear accountability and independent management.
Despite interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating war in Tigray, Daaro Academy has produced a growing number of successful graduates over the past 17 years. Many former students are now excelling in universities and professional fields, while others have become self-employed, contributing to economic development.
Among its notable alumni are engineers, medical professionals, accountants, journalists, and entrepreneurs, including graduates now studying abroad and others who have secured international scholarships. These outcomes reflect the strong academic foundation and values instilled by the academy.
Daaro Academy’s impact also extends to employment creation. The institution currently provides job opportunities to more than 210 individuals, including teachers, academic administrators, support staff, guards, and contract workers. This makes the academy not only a center of learning but also a significant source of livelihood for many families in Mekelle.
Lae’ake Tesfay, CEO of Daaro Academy, often describes his investment in education as service rather than business alone. He says his greatest satisfaction comes from seeing students succeed and contribute positively to society. Although he owns several companies, education remains central to his public legacy.
In many ways, Daaro Academy mirrors its founder’s life story. It is a center of knowledge that builds both intellect and conscience, preparing students not only for exams but for responsible citizenship. With a long-term vision of becoming a fully equipped center of excellence that competes at regional, national, and international levels, Daaro Academy stands as a model of modern, community-driven education in Tigray.
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