Against the Odds - Now Graduating from University

Ms. L was one of the first 25 students to join Studio Samuel when we opened our training center doors. She was reserved, had a quiet yet confident smile, and was always focused. Like many in our community, she was a girl too young for the responsibility she carried and unsure of her future.

Living in a single room with her older brother and sister as her caregivers, Ms. L never took for granted the opportunity her siblings gave her. They worked hard to ensure there was always food on the table, so Ms. L’s focus could be school and receiving the education they never did.

Ms. L was a sponge! At the training center, she spent most of her time in the library, worked closely with the tutors, and soon became a strong leader to her younger classmates. This, coupled with Studio Samuel's Training for Tomorrow holistic curriculum (teaching the 10 core life skills) is what she reflects upon as being pivotal. “Studio Samuel made me know I could do more and that I have options in my future.”

Studio Samuel teachers encouraged Ms. L to take the National Exam (college entry exam). It was never something she considered, but she embraced the challenge. And look at her today!

In July 2019, Ms. L will celebrate many ‘firsts’, including:

• The first member in her family to be accepted to and graduate from university.
• The first Studio Samuel student to graduate from university.
• She will be in the first graduating class to be awarded a degree in Criminology, a new field of study in Ethiopia.

Studio Samuel respects the students and families working through our training center. So while their stories are true, names and images may have been changed to protect their privacy. Thank you for understanding.

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