Update from Hiwotu on Youth Impact
Hiwotu Kassaw, the Youth Impact program director, reported the following on the recent happenings in Ethiopia:
The major update from the Hope Center is that all of our boys have found jobs and are living independently. All ten boys are doing well, and we thank God for His mighty work in their lives.
The evaluation from government offices was favorable and is now fully completed. We are also working on the new project proposal. We have submitted the final proposal to the agency. [Note: Ethiopian Impact must prepare a project proposal every three years to renew its operating license.]
God has also given us a lovely sister to work as an accountant. She began working on May 1. We are also working to strengthen our service at Shalom Center, and Redi has now become a Mentor. [Keep reading for information on these new staff additions.]
God is great!
New Class of Boys
On Tuesday, June 4, a new class of boys moved in to the Hope Center. Twelve have arrived and four more are expected to arrive within a month. This is the 13th batch of boys to enter the program. Please pray for these boys as they transition from life on the street into their new home with devoted mentors who will love and serve them like Jesus. What a wonderful opportunity for these boys to grow and develop under the protection and provision of people who want the best for them!
Youth Impact “Summer Camp” for Children
Every summer when school is out, which is the rainy season in Ethiopia, Youth Impact conducts a special program for children in the community where the “Impact library” is located. This program is one of the most fun and successful events organized every summer. The community is most appreciative as the children are engaged in beneficial activities, such as reading at the library and participating in other programs the YI staff organizes for them. In the U.S., it might be called a summer camp! The week is a fun and educational time for the kids. The week ends with an awards ceremony. Parents are invited to the closing event and treated to a celebration of songs, skits, and awards. The program will be continued this summer.
Youth Impact Welcomes New Staff
Two new staff members have joined the Youth Impact team. Rediat Tilahun, who has worked in finance for Youth Impact, recently completed her university degree in child development and counseling. She has begun working as a mentor at the Shalom Center. Tihetena Girma has joined the program as an accountant.
News from Ethiopian Impact
Generous Giving Conference
Abraham and Salem attended the Generous Giving celebration with Jess and Angela Correll in Atlanta on April 25-27. Angela is the founder and chairman of the board of Ethiopian Impact. While there, they met another couple who were passionate about Ethiopia. The couple hosted a gathering of eight people who had interests in Ethiopia during free time at the conference. It was a time of inspiration, encouragement, and refreshment.
Auction for Africa
In March, Curtis Lake Church in Sanford, Maine held its annual Auction for Africa. This exciting event began with great food, a silent auction, and a time to hear from guests around the world. The evening culminated with a live auction and a surprise activity. Abraham Fiseha, the co-founder of Youth Impact, spoke about how they are bringing hope to the marginalized children and teenagers in Ethiopia with the love of God, building faith, character, and skills to become productive citizens of their nation. At a small group gathering at the home of Terri Richer, Ethiopian Impact board member, a generous giver donated $10,000 to the program!
The event was a great success and a good time was had by all.
Join the Ethiopian Impact Facebook Group
We are transitioning from a Facebook page to a private Facebook group, so if you would like updates and news via Facebook, please join this group by requesting access at the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/296603260885918/
