Hello friends and family!

I'm fundraising to help Asmamaw buy a car to use as an airport taxi.

I met Asmamaw when I was traveling through Ethiopia. He was an excellent tour guide, knowledgeable, honest and passionate about his work.

And then the pandemic. Countries were closed and tourism came to a halt. Asmamaw persevered in pursuing his Bachelor's Degree.

And then war broke out. I'm happy to say that Asmamaw completed his Business Degree and continues to be determined to find sustainable work.

Applying what he learned in university, he conducted research to determine the most viable business opportunities, narrowed it down to two, and took his ideas to the bank to learn his options for getting a loan.

He decided that of the two, the best place to start would be as an airport taxi driver. At the bank, he learned that they would give him a $10,000 loan to buy the car if he first saved $5,000.

That's where we come in. If we can help Asmamaw procure the first $5,000 he would be able to buy the vehicle and start earning. It's estimated that the revenue from the business would be sufficient for him to pay his bills and the remaining car payment. The rest would be icing on the cake, enabling him to pay off his loan faster.

Would you join with me in supporting Asmamaw in achieving self-sufficiency?

Your donation would give this enterprising young man, who is eager to work, the ability to pay his bills, live his life and keep dreaming!

Thank you so much for your support!

For GoFundMe

1. Who you are: I've worked in education for many years. I am now an assistant manager for a youth development program. We support high potential, barrier-facing youth develop job skills and gain independence.

2. Where you're from: The United States of America

3. Your relationship to the parties you're raising funds for and who will be receiving the funds: I met Asmamaw as I was traveling through Ethiopia. He was working as a tour guide in Bahir Dar. After I left, we remained in touch. When the pandemic broke out, I was able to send him financial assistance. He used the money for monthly expenses, tuition and books. He successfully completed university! And he is ready to apply what he's learned to achieve self-sufficiency!

4. How the funds will be delivered: The funds will be delivered through Remitly, directly into his bank account at the Bank of Abyssinia.

5. How the funds will be spent (be as specific as possible): Asmamaw will use the funds to procure a car loan from the Bank of Abyssinia. With this loan, he will purchase a vehicle to use as an airport taxi.