For the Love of Books

Prepare to be inspired by the incredible story of Dawit, one of our Samaritan Scholars here in Ethiopia. Dawit has not only defied the odds to pursue his own education, but he has shown unwavering dedication to improving access to education in impoverished areas, particularly in the war-affected Tigray region.

The Tigray region in northern Ethiopia has been deeply impacted by an internal war between the federal government and the region’s army, resulting in extensive damage to schools and other sectors. In response, Dawit and his friends established TEYA (Tigray Enlightenment Youth Association) to support schools in Tigray. 

Through their efforts, funds have been raised and approximately 2,000 books were donated to the Tigray Education Bureau, making a tangible difference in the lives of countless students who have missed more than two years of education due to the conflict.

Over the past five years, our team has watched Dawit undergo significant personal growth and transformation, thanks to the support he has received from being a Samaritan Scholar. Dawit grew up in a single-parent home with five children, located right next to the city dump. Despite their challenging circumstances and having to depend on the garbage dump for items to keep and sell, Dawit always worked hard in school.

Dawit actively participated in our International Samaritan book clubs over the years. He was also part of the book collection campaign during the inauguration of the Weingartz Family Life Center. 

Dawit’s love for books has been a driving force in his remarkable journey. He’s even authored his own book of poetry!

In everything he does, we see Dawit’s integrity and empathy shine through, embodying the qualities of a true Samaritan. As he approaches the completion of a law degree, his aspirations to become a dedicated lawyer reflect his unwavering commitment to creating positive change. We are incredibly proud of Dawit and look forward to seeing the continued impact he will make on the world.
 
Witnessing such positive changes in our scholars is truly exciting, confirming that our investment in their education is yielding fruitful results. Dawit’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right opportunities and support, anyone can rise above their circumstances and create a better future for themselves and their communities.

Engidawork Lemma, Ethiopia
Youth Development Coordinator

Engidawork brings over 15 years of expertise in empowering adolescents and youth through leadership, personal development, reproductive health, and program management. As a dedicated professional, he specializes in facilitating and delivering tailored training for different populations in various educational settings.