Urge Dinegde was driven by a deep belief in the power of quality education to transform lives. Born in Melbourne, Australia, with strong ties to her Oromo roots, Urge’s journey was one of connecting cultures and creating lasting change.

At just age five, she visited her grandparents’ village, where the resilience and strength of the community ignited a spark within her. This powerful moment stayed with Urge, and in her 20s, she returned to the same village, where she recognised that education was the key to creating lasting change. This realisation inspired her to create The Village School Project (TVSP), a testament to her unwavering commitment to empowering others.

In 2009, she founded The Village School Project (TVSP), focusing on improving access to education for children in a rural village called Waanki Gopo. Through her vision and with a dedicated group of volunteers, Urge:

• Built new classrooms, water and sanitation facilities to improve the learning environment. 

• Constructed a vital bridge that connected the village to essential resources, such as healthcare, food and water, which were previously inaccessible. 

• Provided a scholarship program for vulnerable children in the community, opening doors to education and creating pathways to brighter futures. 

• Improved attendance and reduced dropout rates, thus fostering entrepreneurship and strengthening the community’s commitment to education. 

Her work touched the lives of over 1,500 students, creating a ripple effect that endures. Through Urge’s tireless efforts, TVSP became a beacon of hope, not only improving the lives of the children and families she served, but also sparking change that will resonate for generations.

Although Urge is no longer with us, this tribute celebrates her extraordinary impact and serves as a call to action. By attending, spreading the word and donating to TVSP, we can continue Urge’s mission to provide sustainable, quality education to children in need. Let’s come together to honour Urge’s memory, ensure her vision lives on, and empower future generations to make a difference just as she did.