Supporting Dr. Engineer Teklu Tesfaye’s family

Our dear brother, beloved husband and father, Dr. Engineer Teklu Tesfaye departed from us December 16th, 2023, after a brief hospital visit. This tragedy has devasted his family and shocked his friends who Knows Teklu as a humble, honest and kind person.

Dr. Teklu is a devoted family man, survived by his wife and two beautiful children, age 13 and 7.

Dr. Teklu was born in Tole district, South-West Shoa, Oromia, Ethiopia. After completing high school education at Tullu Bollo, he joined the then Arba Minch Water Technology Institute and received B.S. in Hydraulic Engineering. His outstanding academic achievements were recognized with a gold medal upon graduation, solidifying his status as one of the brightest minds in his nation.

After serving in different capacities in his area of expertise in Ethiopia, he joined the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and received M.S. and Ph.D. in Hydro Power Development and Hydraulic Engineering, respectively. Until his untimely departure, Dr. Teklu was working as consulting engineer at Sweco Norge AS, Region Trondheim, Norway.

In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Teklu had ambitious plans to contribute to his community in Ethiopia. Together with his friends, he established the non-profit organization Hawas Academic Network, dedicated to assisting high school students. Dr. Teklu played a pivotal role in the initiative, facilitating the distribution of the first batch of high school reference books in both hard and soft copies.

Furthermore, Dr. Teklu was a founding member of Malima Alumini, an alumni association for his elementary school in remote Oromia, where basic amenities like running water and electricity are lacking. With a vision shared by its members, he was aspiring to equip the school with solar cells and establish a computer lab, aiming to create computer literacy among both students and teachers providing them with valuable access and opportunities.

We mourn the loss of an extraordinary individual, a compassionate soul with immense potential to serve. Considering this tragedy, support is needed for Dr. Teklu's grieving family. The raised money will be transferred to Dr. Teklu’s wife, Hiwot Tariku, and will be used to cover transport and funeral services in Ethiopia.

Thank you for your support.

Organizers

Erena A Edae (PhD)

Desalegn Chala (PhD)

Abush Tariku Kena

Beneficiary

Hiwot Tariku