Tesfa Ethiopia is a United States-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting education and community development efforts in Ethiopia. Founded in 2004, the organization was established in memory of Leeza Woubshet, an Ethiopian-American whose dream was to provide educational opportunities to disadvantaged children in her native country. The name "Tesfa" means "hope" in Amharic, reflecting the foundation's mission to bring hope and meaningful change to Ethiopian families and communities.

History and Mission

Tesfa Ethiopia was created to honor Leeza Woubshet’s vision of helping Ethiopian children through education. After her untimely death in 2003, family and friends formed the organization to continue her dream of founding schools and supporting vulnerable children in Ethiopia. Tesfa Ethiopia focuses on bridging the gap between needs and resources, empowering children to reach their full potential by providing access to quality education and related support services.

Programs and Impact

Tesfa Ethiopia has built and supports multiple schools across Ethiopia, serving thousands of children since its inception. The organization offers early childhood education where public schooling options are limited or insufficient. Its programs include literacy development, vital feeding initiatives, and community engagement to help parents and local agencies support children’s success.

The foundation also operates targeted initiatives such as Team Tesfa, which offers safety, education, and vocational opportunities for at-risk teenage girls, including a teenage running team that builds on Ethiopia’s rich long-distance running tradition.

As of recent reports, Tesfa Ethiopia has constructed at least ten schools and impacted over 8,300 students, while serving approximately 153,000 meals during the school year. The foundation’s approach combines education with community-focused programs to help families transition out of poverty and participate in the broader economy.

Governance and Leadership

The founder and executive director is Dana Roskey, a former teacher from Minneapolis who was inspired by Leeza Woubshet’s commitment to Ethiopia. He has spent significant time in Ethiopia overseeing programs. The organization also has an Ethiopia-based country director and administrative staff responsible for financial management and program supervision.

The board of directors includes individuals committed to the organization’s mission and governance, and the foundation engages with international volunteers and supporters through sister schools and ambassador programs.

Recognition

Tesfa Ethiopia is recognized for its authentic connection to the Ethiopian community, with many members having personal ties to the country. This grounding enhances their dedication to eliminating educational barriers and fostering positive development for Ethiopian children.

The organization operates as a registered nonprofit in the United States with the EIN 83-3899201, actively raising funds and awareness to continue its impactful work in Ethiopia.

Note: This article is compiled from publicly available information about Tesfa Ethiopia and related organizations sharing the same mission and vision.