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.