By Hannah Floyd
WYC 2023/24 Assistant Director of Fundraising

My name is Hannah Floyd. I am a senior at Riverside High School and have been a member of Wegene Youth Club since 2019. I am now an assistant director of fundraising for the club. Part of my position is to generate ideas, manage events, prepare reports, and build relationships with donors.

Recently, in the summer of 2024, my family and I took a trip to Ethiopia, which was a first for me. During our visit, we explored many locations such as Addis Ababa, Abaminch, and the Omo Valley, among others. We also traveled to the southern countryside to see tribes such as the Konso, Arbore, and Tsemay. This journey provided me with opportunities to reconnect with my cultural roots, meet relatives I
had never before seen, and contribute by organizing a shoe drive with my high school track team. I collected donations of running shoes to distribute to those in need.

During the last week of our trip, we visited the Wegene Knowledge Center. This visit was important to me because, as a member of the Wegene foundation, we always hear about how we are helping young Ethiopian children who may not be able to afford basic needs and well education. Seeing the center in person was a real eye-opener. This amazing organization allows kids who are not financially fortunate
to be educated, seen, and loved. We saw the resources provided by the fundraising, including a library, computer room, lounge, kitchen, dining area, and play area.

One of the things I enjoyed most was talking to the students at the center. Although it was summer break, the center remains open for students to play and learn. I learned that there is a summer program to ensure students don’t lose the academic progress they gained during the school year. I spoke with two graduated high school senior girls who were meeting with a tutor (provided by the center) to study for the matric exam, which determines their university and major. One wanted to be a doctor, while the other aspired to be a psychologist.

I also learned how the mothers of the kids help out at the Wegene Knowledge Center. They knit clothes to sell, create their own Ethiopian food brand to sell, and assist around the center. It was also cool to see the center’s mini garden, where they grow potatoes, corn, spices, and other items for lunch.

Before we left, we played soccer and basketball with some of the students at the center. Even though there was a small language barrier, I was still able to connect with them. These students are ambitious kids with big goals for their futures. When I asked one kid what he wanted at the center, he was very humble and grateful for what he already had. This wouldn’t have been possible without the Wegene Ethiopian Foundation, and I am grateful to be part of an organization that strives to help kids be their best, regardless of where they are in life.