All She Needs is a Visa

Studio Samuel Student Invited to US Global Leadership Conference, Denied Visa   Her Profile: Not yet 18yrs old, lost both parents at a young age, has transitioned between homes of extended family, and has known poverty her entire life. Beyond her Profile: A shining light who believes in herself, sees the harsh reality of her …

How One Girl Embraced Opportunity & Will Now Impact Her Community

Things are happening fast now, with passport in hand and a visa interview scheduled. She's just been awarded the dream of a lifetime - to travel to the US and present her case study - the one she's worked on so hard over the past six months. Before school, during breaks and before bed each …

Using our Voices to Take on the Stigma of HIV/AIDS

100 girls at Studio Samuel are now certified in HIV/AIDS awareness and the first class of 25 agreed to an HIV test! The power of communication and knowledge are breaking down a long-lived stigma. Many in our community suffer from HIV/AIDS, including girls’ caregivers, family members, teachers, shopkeepers, friends and more. It’s become a normal …

From Extreme Poverty to University: They’re Breaking the Cycle

Two Studio Samuel 2016 Graduates Are College Bound! Studio Samuel student, M, will board a plane at the end of this month to spend a week in South Korea where she'll tour universities, meet school staff and begin selecting her major. She'll even meet the mayor! When returning to Ethiopia, alongside her Studio Samuel advisors …

She’s a Black Belt

At 16 years old, B has faced challenges few of us could take on, starting with losing both parents as a young girl. She channeled her energy into school and martial arts, the latter testing her endurance, mindset and possibly being the first step in breaking her poverty cycle. B became a gold & bronze …

Keeping 250 More Girls in School

Follow up: Production is underway! This October, in celebration of International Day of the Girl, Studio Samuel students will travel by bus and deliver menstrual kits to 250+ neighboring peers. Their goal is to raise awareness for girls' education and healthcare by keeping girls in school who are at risk of dropping out due to …

Graduation Gown Update: Goal Met!

You've helped us reach our goal! Because of the continued support from our community, each graduate will have their own graduation gown - and what a sea of beautiful color there will be! Our first Training for Tomorrow class will graduate after completing two years of their life skills curriculum. This group of incredibly strong, …