Holt adoptee Mareyuna Lukasak grew up watching animal-themed children’s movies such as “101 Dalmations” and “Homeward Bound," and when she was 5, Mareyuna and her mother adopted their first dog — a beautiful golden retriever named Hope who sparked Mareyuna’s love of animals. After college, Mareyuna decided to go to veterinary school, but found it difficult to locate scholarships to support her field of study. “There were a limited number of scholarships and they were difficult to achieve,” she shares. But still, Mareyuna pursued her dream through support from her family and student loans. Today, Mareyuna is a veterinarian in North Carolina, sharing her home with two cats and a husky. Earlier this year, Mareyuna and her mother decided they wanted to give back by sponsoring a $1,000 scholarship to be awarded to a Holt adoptee who is pursuing a career in a traditionally underfunded field of study. The Hope Scholarship is named after Mareyuna’s first dog, who played such a meaningful role in her life and inspired her path toward veterinary medicine. “The Hope Scholarship resonates deeply with something I’ve always believed in — helping others pursue their dreams,” says Mareyuna. “Through this scholarship, my mom and I hope to give others the same kind of courage and support that made such a difference in my own journey.” Visit holtinternational.org/scholarship to learn more about Holt’s 2025 Adoptee Scholarship Contest, including the Hope Scholarship. And hurry, the deadline to apply is May 31 — less than two weeks away! (fb)

Nine-year-old Meskerem lives with her parents and five siblings in rural Ethiopia. Her parents earn very little working as subsistence farmers and need help meeting their children’s basic needs. In impoverished communities of Ethiopia, traditional gender roles continue to keep girls from attending school. It is not uncommon for girls stay home to help with house and farm work. But with the support of sponsors, many girls in Holt-supported communities are now in school — and thriving! Meskerem doesn't have a sponsor yet, but with your support, she will have everything she needs to go to school and work toward a life free of poverty. Visit holtinternational.org/meskerem to be the first to sponsor Meskerem, and thank you for your heart and compassion for children in need! (fb)