University Transition Awards for Ethiopian Youth

(Although our University Transition Award fundraiser reached its goal, we are still accepting donations through August 29, 2020)

What if a few simple items such as a backpack, suitcase, and bedding were the difference between attending university or ending your education at grade 12? For many students living in rural Ethiopia, this is a common reality; one we can’t begin to imagine happening here in the U.S. However, Project Ethiopia, a small community-led organization located in Dangla, Ethiopia, is working to change that for 100 high school students every year through their University Transition Awards program.

Project Ethiopia is a non-profit based in Seattle, WA that works in the Dangla region of Ethiopia by strengthening and supporting communities in the areas of education, healthy homes, and economic opportunities. Each year, Project Ethiopia awards up to 100 students from the local high school in Dangla with a University Transition Award  (UTA); a carefully selected package of items to support the cultural transition from rural villages to large university cities. This includes a sturdy suitcase, bedding and blankets, a backpack, cell phone, and round trip bus ticket valued at $160/package. For these students, the resources needed to buy these items far exceeds the family’s capacity. UTAs recognize the academic achievements of these hard-working students and provides them with essential items for life away from family and community. As adolescents with greater access to opportunities for work, school, and basic resources, helping our surrounding communities and organizations have been a big part of our lives. Now working with Project Ethiopia, we have the opportunity to raise money for University Transition Awards for Ethiopian university students.

Although it may not sound like much, it truly is. As one award recipient, Zelalem Beyene, shared “I have no words to explain my happiness at receiving this award. When I learned that I passed the national exam and would be attending university in Addis, I was so worried about the expense of supplies and transportation due to the burden of sick family members.” However, now, with the support of the UTA Zelalem is in his second year at Addis Ababa University, and is ready to conquer his dreams of becoming an accomplished doctor. These impacts from the University Transition Award are real, and have already supported more than 448 students from rural communities that are now able to study hard to make a positive and great impact for themselves, their community, and the world.

Students in the U.S. and students in Ethiopia during this time of their educational journey (graduating from high school and entering university) have vastly different experiences. Students in the U.S. are granted financial and educational support, applicable to those who qualify for aid, throughout their journey in schooling. The Ethiopian experience of leaving for university is different than students in the U.S. Facilities and resources are limited. Many Ethiopian university students have responsibilities back home in order to support their family. Family values/wealth/income can clash and become a barrier to students’ educational pathway.

Our UTA Fundraiser goal is $1600.00 which will ultimately support 10 Ethiopian university students with a support package this Fall. With our goal being to provide financial support for Ethiopian university students from rural areas and give students an opportunity to explore interests and futures, we hope you will join us in reaching our goal. The act of giving is a small yet impactful way to support a needy student in rural Ethiopia. Any amount can make a significant difference in achieving our goal.

Thank you for your love, support, and consideration.

With love,

Helen Tesfaye and Welela Solomon