For Ethiopian Children Fundraiser: 2024

Ethiopia is a country located in the horn of Africa that is filled with rich culture, history, and natural resources. As of 2022, there are about 123 million inhabitants in Ethiopia (World Bank, 2023). According to Worldometers, it is the second most populous country in Africa. According to UNICEF, over 36 million children in Ethiopia are considered in poverty and is one of the poorest countries in the world. As a result of their poverty, these children do not have the resources to receive an adequate education.

My name is Bethlehem Agegne. I am 17 years old and immigrated to the United States from Ethiopia when I was 2 years old. I went to Ethiopia for the first time in 2016 and witnessed the heartbreaking impact of poverty on the innocent lives of millions of Ethiopian citizens, including children. These emotional sentiments stayed with me and later became a driving force behind the beginning of the For Ethiopian Children Fundraiser (FECF) over two years ago to assist Ethiopian children.

For Ethiopian Children Fundraiser Website

In 2022, I was able to successfully raise $6,055 from GoFundMe and a fundraiser event at my school. Half of the fund ($3,027.50) was used to provide Zege Elementary School with 982 reference books, one TV with TV dish & receiver, and one desktop computer with a printer. These items were based on the school preferences. The donated items reduced the school’s shortage by 75%. The other half of the fund ($3,027.50) was used to support 280 young refugees residing in Debre Birhan refugee camps by providing each of the beneficiaries with a 6-month supply of soap, feminine care (for young girls), and 3 underwear. Donation receipts are in file.

In 2023, I created the FECF Youth Committee which has 30 young members (ages 10-19) living in Richmond, Virginia. Each member donates a minimum of $10 per month, committed to support 11 young refugees, including orphans, from refugee camps in Debre Birhan who are suffering from economic, poverty, and health issues. These 11 children were nominated as beneficiaries by Yifat Development Association in coordination with the camp director. From monthly donations and another fundraiser event, I collected over $2,310 to support these 11 children. As a result, each beneficiary received $210, including sending fees, in November 2023. Donation receipts are in file.

For the summer of 2024, I will go to Ethiopia and continue to provide assistance for Ethiopian children. I am now launching the GoFundMe. The funds collected will allow me to personally deliver the immediate needs of orphans who are supported by Sele Enat Charity Organization (SECO). SECO is a licensed, non-profit organization located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. SECO provides holistic support for children by temporarily keeping orphaned children in the care center, providing assistance with the adoption and foster care process, reunifying trafficked children with their families, providing financial support for select students, empowering house-headed women with resources to begin businesses, etc. I selected SECO, among many similar organizations, because SECO phenomenally impacts children, though they struggle from a scarcity of resources. Therefore, these funds will be provided to SECO to support their mission in an effort to stimulate the growth of the future of Ethiopian children. [Refer to the website linked below for more information]. These children need your help and support. In order to provide the assistance in a timely manner, the deadline to donate is May 1, 2024. Your generous contributions will ensure the success of this fundraiser. Please join me and let’s inspire change in the future of Ethiopian children. Thank you for your time, trust, and kindness!

Sele Enat Charity Organization