By Zayma Negussie

My time with the Wegene Ethiopian Foundation has been a transformative journey, one that has instilled in me a profound sense of purpose and connection. As a part of the Wegene Youth Club, I’ve held several leadership positions, from being the membership engagement chair in the ninth grade, to the director of fundraising in the tenth grade, and now serving as a Treasurer and Wegene Youth Club Board board Member.

Three of my cousins and I, traveld to Ethiopia over the Summer of 2023 for a reading and writing
workshop based on the book we wrote, “Dino Boys’ Tales.” As part of our trip, we visited the Wegene Knowledge Center. The visit was a realization of the fruits of our collective efforts. This was not just an
ordinary visit – it was a heartwarming connection between our work here in the United States and the
children and families we are assisting in Ethiopia. Witnessing firsthand the happiness and gratitude of the children, and understanding how our support directly impacts their education and family well-being, was an overwhelmingly gratifying experience.

One of my most memorable moments was when we discussed with Wegene’s children our journey from being a childhood book club to becoming authors of “Dino Boys’ Tales,” a book we were proud to donate to their library. We talked about how a dream can turn into reality if we stay focused, worked hard and believe that it will happen. We reassured them that we got their back and promised that we will help in every way we can. This trip, undoubtedly was the highlight of my summer, where I created enduring connections with the Wegene kids, memories I will always cherish.

I am incredibly thankful to everyone who coordinated our trip, enabling us to witness the inspiring work of the Wegene Ethiopian Foundation. A remarkable organization that I am privileged to be a part of, Wegene’s impact resonates not just in Ethiopia, but also among us here in the United States. As we celebrate twenty-four years of excellence, I salute Wegene Ethiopian foundation for its unwavering commitment to pulling families out of poverty and fostering a brighter future.