Finding Life in Books and in Others

The Weingartz Family Life Center was expertly decorated as if ready to welcome wedding guests.  Yellow and black balloons were everywhere, white candles graced the tables, and the chairs were perfectly placed.  As I marveled at the room’s beauty, a voice exclaimed, “Good morning, Engida!”  At that moment, I realized how much this room’s transformation resembled the person behind the voice that greeted me.
 
When Feven joined our scholarship program four years ago, she did her best to stay hidden in the corner of any room.  She always wore a hoodie covering most of her face and a mask covering the rest.  One word, was a complete conversation to her; “Fine.” was her response to any question asked.
 
Feven avoided other scholars and our team members for almost two years.  Finally, one day, I had enough.  Or, more accurately, she had had enough.  I told her that she couldn’t keep isolating herself, and she told me how difficult it was growing up in a small room with seven people and no one who understood her.  Saying it out loud for the first time, she cried and cried and told me how she just wanted to be left alone so that she could read in our library.  She always found the solace she sought in books.  Instead, I told her that she would have to join a club to remain a scholar with us.

Feven chose Young Life, a partner organization which helps with the spiritual formation of our scholars. Within a few months, she had become a leader in that club. The new life she had discovered inspired her to challenge others to take a similar journey, and she co-founded a “sisterhood” club for young women scholars in Ethiopia to grow stronger together.

It’s two years later now, and some of these young women were trickling into the room, ready to celebrate the conclusion of their most recent training. Feven is one year away from a marketing management degree and aspires to make her mark by training others. “I constantly want to add value to myself and pass it on to others,” says Feven. “My life’s calling is to serve people, which might be achieved through training others.”
 
Feven’s transformation gives me hope that Ethiopia, and our world, may do the same.

Engidawork Lemma, Youth Development Specialist

Engida has over 13 years of experience working with adolescents and youth on leadership, personal development and reproductive health. He facilitates and provides trainings on peer-to-peer education, life skills development, and youth-centered communication strategies geared toward vulnerable populations in high schools, universities and out-of-school settings. An Acumen Fellow, he joined IntSam’s team in Ethiopia in 2020.