Friendships in every school often begin in small, unexpected ways. For some, connections spark on the football field, while for others, they arise from shared experiences, like tackling challenging homework. For Beki and Zola, two of our Samaritan Scholars in Ethiopia, their friendship blossomed in the vibrant world of art.

They first met in seventh grade, as they moved into a new class filled with unfamiliar faces. While most students dashed outside to play football during breaks, Beki and Zola gravitated toward the quieter corners of the classroom. Zola found joy in string art, twisting and weaving threads into beautiful patterns, while Beki was lost in his sketches, filling his notebooks with portraits, breathtaking landscapes, and imaginative doodles.

Both carried with them personal stories that made art more than just a pastime. Zola’s father had struggled with chronic mental instability for years, a burden that weighed heavily on his family. For Zola, art became an escape, a space where he could breathe freely. Beki, meanwhile, had lost his mother at the tender age of 15, and drawing became his outlet, a way to process pain and keep moving forward.

 “We didn’t really care about going outside,” Zola chuckles, recalling those early days. “While everyone else was running around, we chose to sit in the classroom and draw, pouring our imaginations onto paper.”

Their shared love for art evolved into a deep bond. Their friendship was rooted not in trivial chatter, but in the magic of lines, shapes, colors, and ideas. They challenged each other creatively, celebrated small victories, and found solace in knowing they weren’t alone in their passion.

A significant turning point came when they joined the International Samaritan Scholarship program five years ago. It was a game-changer. For the first time, they had access to resources that matched their curiosity and passion. Canvases, sketchbooks, paints, and professional guidance became integral parts of their lives. What had once been pencil sketches on the back of old exercise books now blossomed into vibrant art on canvas.

“That was when everything changed,” Beki recalls, smiling. “Before, we were just trying to make something out of what we had. But at the scholarship program, we finally had the right gear, space, and mentors who believed in us. It gave us the confidence to dream bigger.”

After school, they often met in the Samaritan art room, a sunny escape filled with music and the comforting smell of fresh paint. Surrounded by fellow creative spirits, Beki and Zola found themselves lost in their sketching and weaving while sharing ideas. Some days, they barely spoke, letting the rhythm of their work fill the silence; other days, they dreamed aloud about their next creations or how art might evolve into something greater. Their friendship deepened through these experiences. Art was no longer just a shared interest; it became the foundation of their trust, encouragement, and sense of belonging.

As their skills flourished, so did their opportunities. Both began showcasing their work, including at the first Samaritan Auction, held in Ethiopia, an inspiring event that celebrated young talent and connected them with a broader community of art lovers. Their pieces, once private expressions, now hang proudly for others to admire. With each auction, their confidence has blossomed, and they recognize their friendship as a lifelong partnership in creativity.

Looking back, Zola smiles, “If I hadn’t met Beki, I wouldn’t have pushed myself as much. We inspire each other. When he tries something new, it sparks that urge in me to do the same.” Zola nods enthusiastically. “It’s not just about art anymore; it’s about having someone who truly understands. Our friendship is like a canvas we’ve been painting together for years, layer by layer.”

Today, their story serves as a reminder of the transformative power of shared passions. What began as two students choosing a quiet classroom over the noise of a football field has blossomed into a journey of creative exploration. Through art, Beki and Zola discovered their talents and a friendship that shapes who they are becoming.

In the end, friendship is a lot like art: it takes patience, creativity, and courage to envision something beautiful, and then bring it to life together.

Artist Showcase & Auction

Art from both Beki and Zola will be featured in the Shine A Light artist showcase & auction, which takes place online from October 1-9.

Starting October 1, you can enjoy bidding on auction items. Then mark your calendars for October 9, when you can join us online to meet some of the artists and conclude the auction at a live webinar.  

Thursday, October 9
1 p.m. EST
Register for the live conclusion of the auction: 
https://live.zoho.com/omfl-evn-rkh

Selam Terefe, Regional Director, East Africa

Selam has years of experience in international development and aid. Her education and career have given her a thorough and in-depth knowledge of gender, legal, social, and political issues of East Africa with a special focus on Ethiopia. Selam is passionate about development in Africa and a strong believer in effective partnerships.