Ethiopian Diaspora, Inc

My name is Amanuel Mehari. I'm 17 years old and go to West Springfield High School. I was born and raised in the U.S, as I am the 2nd generation of immigrants. I have always wanted to help back home, and I finally can through this project. I have started a fundraiser for my father's old high school in Amanuel, Gojjam, Ethiopia.

There are many issues that Amanuel High School is currently facing. The building was built 70 years ago, and the condition of the building has deteriorated so significantly. Children are not able to learn about technology due to the lack of computers, and we would like to bring computers to the high school. The school doesn't have a chemistry, physics, or biology laboratory. They don't have an adequate amount of books in the school library, and classrooms lack a sufficient amount of tables and chairs. Last but not least, the school's kindergarten has not been maintained or repaired since it was built in the 1970s (Ethiopian calendar).

Seeing these conditions firsthand lit a spark in me to help schools back home in Ethiopia. If we come together, not only can we help the school in Amanuel, but schools all over Ethiopia. Our goal is to raise $10,000 for the school.

I am working on this fundraiser with Ethiopian Diaspora, Inc., a non-profit organization that connects Ethiopian communities worldwide to improve the quality of life for all Ethiopians.

I have been volunteering for Ethiopian Diaspora over the Summer. This organization not only wants to help Amanuel High School but trying to raise the initiative and awareness so that more Ethiopians can organize and give back to educational institutions in Ethiopia.