This week, our field team in Ethiopia is working hard to support 234 students in the School Sponsorship Program. Each student will receive 100kg of corn and 3 litres of cooking oil, critical support that keeps kids in school instead of working to help feed their families.

One of those students is Ayelew, and his story shows what's possible when determination meets opportunity.

A Tough Start:

Ayelew lost his hearing and ability to speak when he was a small child. Growing up in a small village with limited resources, his path to education seemed uncertain. But his father never gave up on him.

In 2018, community leaders approached visiting Board members with a heartfelt request: "Please meet a special son of our village. He is so smart and he needs help to continue school. Can you help him?"

The answer was yes, met with joyful "elelelelele" celebrations. His father shared, "I was injured in a war and I am not able to walk or work with any comfort. We are poor but my son is rich in his mind. Now, he has the gift of a secure education. I am a happy father on this glorious day."

An introduction, a community plea, and a YES was met with “elelelelele”. His father shared, “I was injured in a war and I am not able to walk or work with any comfort. We are poor but my son is rich in his mind. Now, he has the gift of a secure education. I am a happy father on this glorious day.”

Ayelew is holding a letter he wrote, thanking Roots Ethiopia and supporters for being his beacon of hope and help during his days in primary and secondary school.

Six Years Later:

Ayelew didn't just finish high school. He graduated and is now in his first year of university! This is extraordinary. Only 3.3% of students who took the national exam qualified for university this year.

From a small village to higher education, Ayelew's journey reminds us why supporting students matters. Every child who walks to school, studies late into the night, and dreams of a better future deserves this chance.

Thank you for being part of our community and making stories like Ayelew's possible.