With Covid-19 cases spiking across Ethiopia, there’s never been a more vital time to ensure our community has access to proper sanitation supplies. In response to this immediate challenge, we’re announcing three new products that will directly benefit those affected.

Here’s how it works:
Caregivers on-site in Africa have been trained how to make a versatile liquid soap that is used to cleanse hands, dishes and clothing. With this skill, they've launched their business and are earning a fair wage by creating, selling and distributing this soap to nearby communities.

​​Simultaneously, we’ve launched three new luxury bar soaps in our store, manufactured in the U.S.

With each purchase of one of these soaps, we’ll purchase one unit of liquid soap from the caregivers on-site to donate to a home in our community in Ethiopia. It’s a one-for-one, win-win offer.

What’s more, the soaps echo the beauty and spirit of Ethiopia reflected in the varieties available: Eucalyptus and Black Charcoal/Lavender, which are creamy and smooth, and Coffee/Goat’s Milk, which is an exfoliant that contains actual coffee grounds. All are made with the finest organic ingredients and shipped from the U.S. The Eucalyptus and Black Charcoal/Lavender are also vegan.
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To help protect these at-risk communities from the spread of the virus, and treat yourself or a loved one to a luxury gift with doorstep delivery, start your order now. Individual soaps cost $6.50, or buy a bundle of three for $15. Shop today.

This team of caregivers joined forces and began training on how to make a versatile liquid soap that can be used to cleanse hands, dishes and clothing. When this skill is learned, they will officially launch their business through our micro-loan program, earning a fair wage for creating, selling and distributing this in-demand soap to nearby communities.

We thank YOU for making this possible by supporting our recent Covid19-relief campaign - and an exceptional note of gratitude to long time Studio Samuel supporter, GO Campaign, who matched your first $5,000!

​To reach our girls through this pandemic, we must support their caregivers today, ensuring they're safe and will re-open their businesses when this passes.

These women are the small business owners in our micro-loan program and the backbone of our community. They're the mothers, aunts, sisters, neighbors, and caregivers to our students.

They lost their source of income due to the State of Emergency declared in Ethiopia. This was their household's lifeline to food, shelter, and healthcare. If we see loss of life in our community, as so many have in the developed world, we risk facing an orphan crisis.

​We need your help today to keep their households as healthy as possible during the Covid outbreak in Ethiopia.

On Monday, March 16, schools closed temporarily in Ethiopia, as did our training center which was not unexpected. We had already begun preparing our students, their caregivers, and staff for what their new normal may look like as the Coronavirus would inevitably reach Ethiopia.
Staff is now working from home, and all beneficiaries (Training for Tomorrow students, college students + micro-loan recipients) have a line of communication to their assigned staff member.

Before girls were under Stay at Home orders, they were already phoning their staff team leaders, asking how to get involved and help their community.

​With a simple yet powerful punch, and safety measures in place, students created Tesfa signs ('hope' in Amharic). Handmade messages of hope drawn in Ethiopian flag colors are now proudly displayed!
The empathy and proactive measures of these young women in such a time of uncertainty speak volumes for the future impact they'll bring to their communities.

Our sewing lab relocated to the front yard to safely prepare 1,000 masks for frontline workers in Ethiopia's hospitals.

​In response to the government's plea for charities to assist citizens where possible, we jumped in and proceeded with astute safety measures in place.

We're so touched by our students' reactions to get involved. It's been overwhelming.
Each student has an assigned social worker to maintain regular communication during this uncertain time, and they've been calling to ask how they can help. We'll have more news soon on how the girls are sharing messages of hope in their community.
Mask delivery will be carried out by local officials next week.

Dear Friends of Studio Samuel,

As we navigate this temporary new normal during the Covid-19 outbreak, it's important to remember how strong we can be as individuals to make our community stronger. We must be in this together.

At the time of writing this, Ethiopia confirmed its fifth Covid-19 case and like so many countries around the globe have closed schools and banned large gatherings.

We know from experience that girls will be hardest hit. They are least likely to return to school and most vulnerable to drop out as they face an increased risk of child marriage, child labor, adolescent pregnancy and more. This is especially true during a crisis when caregivers are facing a significant loss of income like we're beginning to see unfold.

At Studio Samuel we are working hard to ensure each beneficiary has the support needed during school closure to guarantee:

• all 100 students return to Training for Tomorrow
  
• the 50 young women in our inaugural college class return and will celebrate their graduation
  
• 155 caregivers in our small business program have the resources to keep their businesses afloat

Our leadership team moved swiftly to accommodate remote working for our staff and a plan of action for regular communication with each beneficiary in our program. Our community has never been stronger.

We will keep you updated on important developments.

Thank you all for your support in these difficult times. Treat yourself and loved ones well and stay healthy.

With gratitude,

[New York, NY - March 6, 2020 ] New York/Addis Ababa-based NGO and non-profit organization Studio Samuel, which empowers at-risk girls to reach their potential through education and employable skills, is celebrating International Women's Day (March 8) with its first events in California. This year's theme 'each for equal' elevates the message that gender equality is essential for economies and communities to thrive, which is at the heart of Studio Samuel's mission. On Saturday, March 7, Studio Samuel US team members are participating in the 5K Rodeo Run in Huntington Beach for awareness and fundraising for its life skills program Training for Tomorrow. On Sunday, March 8, with support from Ethiopian Airlines and Ethiopia Healthcare Network, Studio Samuel is hosting a private event with performance by Esy at the Ethiopian restaurant Rosalind's in Los Angeles to share its mission and stories of girls' empowerment with the goal of building community and driving support for student scholarships.

One such story of empowerment is that of Studio Samuel student Melesse's mother, who was denied an education and is determined to support her daughter's path. When she was struggling to afford rent in Melesse's early years, she moved into a plastic container room strategically located roadside, where she could sell biscuits and candy to passersby while her daughter was safe. This allowed her to save money for uniform and supplies when Melesse started school. Melesse, who excels in science, is aware of the sacrifices her mom has made to keep ​her in school, and her goal is to be first in the family to reach 10th grade and earn a university degree.

​Studio Samuel is excited to announce that the life-changing campaign to restore its HIV/AIDS Prevention Course is fully funded, thanks to The White Feather Foundation. Currently there are 100 girls in Studio Samuel's after school program Training for Tomorrow , and 50 girls enrolled in the Studio Samuel Institute of Art & Technology, the government accredited college program that launched in late 2019. The HIV/AIDS Prevention Course has been an important part of the Training for Tomorrow curriculum, implemented out of need after a 10-year-old student became the sole caregiver to her HIV+ mother in 2015. After becoming inoperable last year due to lack of resources, the organization is grateful to bring it back for Spring 2020. Access to healthcare resources is another facet of empowerment and a necessity for all in an equal world. Studio Samuel's vision is a world where girls everywhere, no matter where they were born, know that they have the same hope and possibilities.