We are pleased to share the first updates from this most recent group of scholarship recipients in Ethiopia.
Demse, Grade 11 (Age 17)
Demse was born in the Southern region of Ethiopia, as the eldest of three children. With her father working as a farmer and her mother managing the household, she took on many responsibilities from a young age—helping with chores, cooking, and assisting in harvesting coffee.
Despite these duties, Demse was determined to get an education. In her hometown, there was a high risk of abduction for child marriage while walking to school, which was a great distance away. This made it difficult for her to attend safely.
At just seven years old, she saw an opportunity to change her future. Her uncle was visiting from Addis Ababa, and before he returned, she bravely asked if she could go with him to the city so she could attend school. Though her parents were hesitant, they agreed it could be safer—and Demse’s persistence won.
Arriving in Addis Ababa, she faced new challenges. She could only attend night school because her days were spent caring for her younger cousin and doing household chores, in return for her extended family allowing her to live in their home. It wasn’t until fourth grade that she was finally able to attend regular day classes, while doing housework late into the night and before school each morning.
By Grade 11, Demse knew she needed to learn practical job skills to support herself (while attending school) to have a chance of entering college in her future. She had long wanted to learn embroidery, but when she tried to register for classes at a local center, the cost was too high. That’s when she heard about Studio Samuel, which includes embroidery training for free as part of a girl’s academic curriculum. She registered and patiently waited a few months for an open spot in the class.
Upon enrollment, she received a life-changing scholarship from The White Feather Foundation. “I am really happy to receive this scholarship,” Demse said. “It means I can stay in school and work toward my dream of becoming a therapist. I can’t believe my opportunity. I’ve already learned so much from English tutoring, computer lab, martial arts, debate class and I can also see a doctor for my health. This all helps build my confidence and safety.”
With the support of her scholarship and the skills she’s gaining, Demse is confident about her future. She is determined to finish school, pursue psychology, and one day support girls like herself—giving them the encouragement and opportunities they need to succeed.
Reqiq, Grade 10 (Age 17)
Reqiq was born and raised in Addis Ababa, where she lives with her parents and older sister. Her father, a retired soldier, now works as a security guard although he is often sick. Her mother supports the family as a street cleaner when her husband is not well, making it difficult to afford rent and daily necessities.
Reqiq first learned about Studio Samuel through her older sister, Bedlwa, who was a graduate of the program. Seeing her sister’s journey inspired her. “When my father was sick and couldn’t work, my sister used the skills she learned at Studio Samuel to get a summer job in a garment factory. She was able to help my mother support our family during a difficult time,” Reqiq recalled.
She also witnessed her sister become a confident, strong young woman now with goals of attending college. “I saw how much Studio Samuel changed my sister’s life, and I knew I wanted to be part of it too,” she said.
Reqiq dreams of becoming a teacher one day, and her journey is now supported by a scholarship from The White Feather Foundation. “I am very happy!” she said. “I know this scholarship will help me reach my goal and continue my education without financial stresses. I want more girls to know about the power of education.”
The scholarship is a critical step in breaking the cycle of financial hardship and securing a brighter future for Reqiq. She is always on time for class and never misses. Her favorite classes are sewing, computer skills training, and Teen Talk.
“Studio Samuel has made me more confident. My participation in class has improved, and I’ve made new friends,” she shared. As a recipient of The Cynthia Lennon Scholarship for Girls, Reqiq is developing skills that will not only help her in the future but also provide immediate opportunities to support herself and her family, which was her first goal – and she’s on a clear path to achieving her dream of becoming a teacher. She knows that knowledge is the key to change—not just for herself but for those she hopes to teach one day.
“I now believe in my future,” she said. “Thanks to The White Feather Foundation I have the chance to learn, grow, and create success for myself and my family.”
Yayesh, Grade 8 (Age 15)
Yayesh was born in Harar, where she grew up as the only child in her family. Before she turned one, her parents divorced, leaving her mother to raise her alone. Yayesh met her father only once, in first grade. “He came to see me not because he wanted to, but because the neighbors told him he should,” she recalled. Since then, she has not seen or heard from him.
Four years ago, Yayesh and her mother were forced to leave Harar due to the conflict. They moved to Addis Ababa where they stayed with friends for only two weeks before they had to move again. It was a challenging time but her mother worked tirelessly at multiple jobs, some physically tolling, to ensure Yayesh could stay in school.
She was grateful to her mother but she felt the burden.
Despite their hardships, Yayesh’s mother made her focus on her education to help her reach her dream of becoming an architect. Math is her favorite subject. However, financial challenges made continuing her education uncertain.
Receiving a scholarship from The White Feather Foundation has been life-changing for Yayesh and her mother. Before, she constantly worried about whether she would be able to stay in school and how would her mother remain healthy if she continued in her current way to provide for both of them. Now, she has the security and opportunity to pursue her dreams.
At Studio Samuel, Yayesh is thriving in our Learning Lab which offers tutoring in many subjects. With this academic support, Yayesh is already ranking higher in math compared to last year. She is also building important life and job skills through other trainings offered – favorites include Karate, Drama Art Therapy, and Sewing.
Yayesh is determined to complete her education, pursue a career in architecture, and one day provide for her mother the way her mother has always provided for her.
“I am very happy to receive this scholarship,” Yayesh said. “I never imagined I would have this kind of support. It has given me hope and it is now my chance to build my future. My blessings to the people at The White Feather Foundation.”
Names of the students have been changed to protect their identity.
All photos courtesy of Studio Samuel.
We are currently fundraising for the 2025 Cynthia Lennon Scholarships. If you would like to donate to the fund, or become a member of our monthly program, start here.