Why We Do What We Do

Wondemeneh’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. For the past nine years, he has been a shining star in our scholarship program here in Ethiopia. 

Wondemeneh’s story began when he was just six months old. He suffered a fall that led to serious health issues. For years, he struggled with breathing difficulties and mobility, ultimately discovering that his ribs were compressing his lungs. Wodemeneh ended up having four surgeries in Ghana, where doctors fitted him with a metal support to help his ribs. 

Medical checkups and costs were difficult for his family. Wodemeneh’s father left, and his mother has been raising her three children alone. To support her children, Wodemeneh’s mother works in the Kore dumpsite, collecting and selling reusable materials from among the garbage. 

“We were so desperate when International Samaritan found us,” Wodemeneh told our staff. “I consider myself blessed to have gotten this support.”

With his holistic scholarship, Wodemeneh not only had his school fees, supplies, and extra training covered, but he was able to, as he says, “have comfortable clothes and shoes, and eat proper food.” 

Despite his physical and economic challenges, Wondemeneh remained focused and dedicated to his education. He credits International Samaritan and his mother for shaping the person he is today. The support he received has been a source of love and encouragement throughout his journey.

Today, Wondemeneh’s hard work has paid off: he has been awarded a full scholarship to study at a selective university in Italy, competing against talented students from around the globe. Thanks to the skills he developed at the Weingartz Family Life Center here in Ethiopia, he tackled the rigorous application process with confidence. Now, he dreams of guiding younger Samaritan Scholars, eager to share the light of hope that has illuminated his path.

This is the essence of International Samaritan’s holistic scholarship—a program designed to cultivate world-class scholars and future leaders. Team Ethiopia is immensely proud and grateful for the profound impact it has had!

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who has contributed to the success of Wondemeneh and the more than 350 scholars here in Ethiopia who have benefited from this program, both past and present. What a way to welcome our new year, which is taking place this week in Ethiopia!

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.

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.

Ready to Race?

We hope you pull out your tennis shoes and run or walk with us in this year’s Samaritan 5K!

October 12 / 10 a.m. / Ann Arbor

Races will be held in Ann Arbor, Detroit, and simultaneously with our Samaritan Scholars in Central America, Jamaica, and East Africa.

This year, you can select a country to run with. You’ll learn more about that community and the funds you donate and raise will go to their specific health and wellness needs. Each country is raising money for a project close to their heart. You can choose to run and support:

Team Ethiopia: Medical Care ($28,000)
Team Guatemala: Gang Violence Prevention Training ($33,000)
Team Honduras: Food Support ($28,000)
Team Jamaica: Food Support ($21,000)
Team Kenya: Mental Health Resources ($20,000)
Team Uganda: Rebuilding after Kiteezi Landslide ($20,000)

Register to run or donate to a team: intsam.org/samaritan5K