We’re pleased to provide the following updates about our 2022 scholarship recipients from Studio Samuel.
Tsehaye
Living in a small plastic shelter with her family of six, food scarcity and poverty are challenges she’s working hard to overcome.
Two years after receiving a scholarship from TWFF, Tsehaye’s hard work has paid off—she is ranked in the Top 5 in her class!
“With my job skills, I was hired fast by a garment company for a summer job to help buy food for my family. Because my school performance increased, I took the National Exam to join university and will study Biomedicine. I am leaving Studio Samuel with different skills that are very helpful for my future.”
Bezunesh
With multiple surgeries on her leg, she is disabled, and this disability has caused her to miss school.
Despite these challenges, Bezunesh is on track to take the National Exam and pass, with the next step to attend university, to study accounting and management.
“I thought I would drop out of school before this because of my handicap. [However] I’m now working part-time with good income from my sewing skills, staying in school and planning for university! It is my new life.”
Simret
After suffering abuse at the hands of her stepfather, she was forced to leave home last year and make a life for herself independently.
Now that she’s completed studies at Studio Samuel, Simret has applied to Addis Ababa University and will enroll next semester.
“I never thought this could be a possibility for me,” she remarked.
Simret excels in creative activities and is looked up to by the younger students. Because of this, Studio Samuel has offered Simret a part-time position in the creative arts curriculum. You may also begin seeing some of her photography as she helps expand the selection of Studio Samuel storytelling assets.
Menen
A victim of gender-based violence, Menen did not have an easy start when she began her educational trajectory. But with perseverance and dedication, she has achieved her goals—and now helps others, too.
“Because of The White Feather Foundation, I am the first woman in my family to make high school level. I never thought this would be an opportunity for me.’
Menen benefited greatly from counseling services at Studio Samuel and debate class. These helped her overcome past trauma, and as a result, she’s become an advocate for her peers who’ve also faced such harm. Today she is confident and determined to stay in school because of the opportunities she has had through this scholarship award.
Alemitu
An orphan who was a victim of child labour, Alemitu started school quite late (which brought her undue shame).
She will continue to work with Studio Samuel as a mentor, as she has displayed exceptional leadership skills and become a role model for other girls. She is now confident in sharing her story, being an advocate for her peers, and is excelling in school with the possibility of skipping a grade quite strong due to her time spent dedicated to studying in the library and computer lab.
Hamarawit
A native of Wikro and former war refugee—who escaped conflict with only the clothes on her back—she stayed the course, pursuing her education through Studio Samuel and beyond, and has achieved amazing results.
“‘I am now a full-time university student taking general courses, to prepare to enter [the] Engineering [program]. I am happy with my life and now for my future.”
Rediet
An escapee of child marriage, Rediet moved to the city alone to start a better life.
Upon graduation she ranked in the top 10 of her class. Now prepared to take her National Exam for grade 11, she’ll focus on Natural Science as her degree path for university. She has already become a role model to her peers who’ve faced similar challenges, and will remain on-site after graduation to use the library for studying and to spend time mentoring incoming students.
“I didn’t imagine other girls looking up to me. We all have something in common to help.”
The International Day of the Girl
We congratulate Studio Samuel on a wonderful event in celebration of The International Day of the Girl last month, which took place in Bethesda, Maryland. Our Founder, Julian Lennon, is an ambassador for their organisation, and donated a print of the photo above, which helped them raise funds for their ongoing programs.
The Cynthia Lennon Scholarship for Girls 2025
Though the application process won’t begin until next spring, we raise funds year-round to make up the total amount we award each September. If these stories have moved you and you want to help additional students realize their dreams through education, please donate today.
All student photos in this post are courtesy of Studio Samuel.
“Home” (c) Julian Lennon, 2014.
At the request of our partners, we have changed the names of the girls’ referenced in this update for their protection.
