On October 20th, 2006, my family faced the worst possible reality one could imagine. We lost our king, our role model and the one person whose guidance had the ability to bring hope into any situation; my father Araya Zerihun was suddenly taken from us. His halo was unrivaled. He wasn’t only a father to his seven children, he was a father to thousands of people; he was a man of honor and integrity whose life goal was to give back to the people of his country.
During my last visit to Ethiopia I was approached by a group of young women and men who had all come to know and love my father as their own. They requested that I take part in what would end up being the best experience of my life. They had a vision to help those who could not help themselves by providing them with the necessary tools to acquire a basic education, which according to my father was the strongest weapon one could have. Today the organization is known as Araya Women and Children Charitable Organization (AWCCO). It is a small NGO located in the capital city of Tigray, reaching 100 children and 25 women who face poverty at an accelerated rate. We aim to change the current situation by combating illiteracy and helping women gain basic skills to be able to better support their families.
On October 9th, 2014, AWCCO was officially registered as A Charitable Organization with a mission to enhance the lives of vulnerable children and women in Ethiopia by creating a caring and collaborative society. This year for my 28th birthday, I’m asking all of my family, friends, colleagues, and anyone who believes in educating the under-privileged to donate $28 in honor of a great vision. My personal goal is to reach $5,600 by December 4th, that’s 28 days from today. All proceeds will go directly to the NGO. So instead of spending your time and money going out and celebrating my birthday with me, I ask you all for the simple gift of $28 to help change someone’s life.
During my last visit to Ethiopia I was approached by a group of young women and men who had all come to know and love my father as their own. They requested that I take part in what would end up being the best experience of my life. They had a vision to help those who could not help themselves by providing them with the necessary tools to acquire a basic education, which according to my father was the strongest weapon one could have. Today the organization is known as Araya Women and Children Charitable Organization (AWCCO). It is a small NGO located in the capital city of Tigray, reaching 100 children and 25 women who face poverty at an accelerated rate. We aim to change the current situation by combating illiteracy and helping women gain basic skills to be able to better support their families.
On October 9th, 2014, AWCCO was officially registered as A Charitable Organization with a mission to enhance the lives of vulnerable children and women in Ethiopia by creating a caring and collaborative society. This year for my 28th birthday, I’m asking all of my family, friends, colleagues, and anyone who believes in educating the under-privileged to donate $28 in honor of a great vision. My personal goal is to reach $5,600 by December 4th, that’s 28 days from today. All proceeds will go directly to the NGO. So instead of spending your time and money going out and celebrating my birthday with me, I ask you all for the simple gift of $28 to help change someone’s life.
Organizer and beneficiary
Rahwa Zerihun
Beneficiary