Zenebe grew up with his parents, aunt, sister, and brothers in a one-room rented home. They had to walk to a community bathroom. They didn’t have beds, so they spread cardboard on the floor to sleep on. 
 
Despite their extremely limited finances, Easter was always a special time. Every year, Zenebe’s father would bring home new Easter clothes for the children. Zenebe fondly remembers one Easter when he was so excited about his new outfit that he wore it to bed, eager to wake up already dressed in joy. 

Thanks to your support, Zenebe has been a Samaritan Scholar for the last four years. This past February, he proudly graduated with a degree in computer science from St. Mary’s University. 

Now, he’s committed to sharing the hope of Easter with people in need. This Easter Sunday, while many people enjoy colorful eggs and festive meals, Zenebe and a group of Samaritan Scholars, called the Samrawi Elderly Helping Group, will be visiting 15 elderly individuals in their community.

The group will give financial help to those in need with donations from their own pockets—college scholars with their own challenges. They’ll also offer companionship and encouragement.

For Zenebe, these actions are a way to honor his beliefs and Christ’s sacrifice.

“Easter is about sharing and uplifting others,” he said, explaining that showing up with love and kindness can bring hope to those who need it most. 

International Samaritan is a Christ-centered organization built on Catholic Social Teaching. Our mission is to walk hand-in-hand with people who live and work in the garbage dumps of developing nations to help them break out of poverty.

We provide holistic scholarships for students from kindergarten through college, and we’re currently supporting 950 scholars in Central America, the Caribbean, and East Africa.

Would your church or school group like to partner and travel with us? Learn about our Learn, Serve, Grow program.

Empower our scholars to change their lives. Become a monthly supporter.

Zelalem Bayichekin, Program Coordinator, Ethiopia

Zelalem is a Psychology graduate from the University of Gondar. He is always ready to extend a helping hand to anyone in need. He was raised in the Kore community and understands firsthand the struggles and opportunities. Thanks to his experience and education, he is an instrumental part of our scholarship program.