 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:
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,  STUDIO SAMUEL HONORS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY AND THE MOVEMENT TO FORGE A GENDER EQUAL WORLD3/5/2020
Celebrating the Achievements of Studio Samuel Students with IWD Events in Los Angeles March 7-8 Thanks to The White Feather Foundation, Studio Samuel Relaunches HIV/AIDS Program for its Students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia  [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. "I've been impressed and energized by Studio Samuel Foundation's sustainable model and approach for women's empowerment in Ethiopia. The organization stands to make an impact with women, not just for women - and most importantly with the local communities, not over them." - Philanthropist, Photographer & Musician, Julian Lennon  About Studio Samuel Studio Samuel opened its training center doors to the first class of 25 girls in January 2015 after being granted an International NGO license by the Charities and Societies Agency in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Studio Samuel's mission is to arm at-risk girls to reach their potential through education and employable skills with Training for Tomorrow, the organization's trademarked life skills program. Today, the program has reached over 2,200 girls (9-18 years old) in Ethiopia and its vocational arm has been accredited as a college. Studio Samuel Institute of Technology opened in October 2019 to 50 young women (18-24 years old). Tamara Horton, FIT graduate, Women's Campaign International Global Ambassador to Ethiopia and Board Member of Ethiopia Healthcare Network, founded Studio Samuel following the international adoption of her son, Samuel. Tamara saw firsthand that safe options were stripped from a girl when she is born into poverty and is denied an education. Her goal was to create a 'teach a man to fish' platform which would result in opportunity and safe options, steering girls away from the all too common pathways of child marriage, trafficking, and child labor, which deny them education and voice. Training for Tomorrow is held after school and on weekends and impacts young Ethiopian women through mentoring, counseling, self-defense training, occupational training, healthcare and more. Studio Samuel graduates are enrolling in college, mentoring peers and using their voice for change in their communities. Studio Samuel is grateful to have its mission supported and amplified by Global Ambassadors Julian Lennon and Izzy Bizu. For more information, please contact: Sarah Landy/ sarah@studiosamuel.org
We opened our training center doors to the community over the past two weeks to host an in-depth handwashing series for 100 students and their caregivers, presented by our on-site licensed healthcare professional, Meron. This was sparked by students coming to our clinic with questions and expressing growing concerns over things they were hearing at school and in the community. Topics and demonstrations included how, why, and when to wash, according to CDC guidelines for effective handwashing and use of hand sanitizer, developed based on data from a number of CDC studies.   We learned many household members weren't aware of when to wash their hands. This was extremely helpful to know and is why it's so important to work alongside the community and listen. With this information, our healthcare worker was able to provide accurate, professional guidance for proper protection, which our girls and their families can now share with others.  In addition to learning best practices in handwashing, each student received two bottles of hand sanitizer. One will be kept in her book bag during school hours and the other in her home for other household members to use.
 These were her words, two weeks ago, as we walked outside our training center, and I asked how she thought she did on her 8th grade National Exam. Her reply concerned me because this girl has been through hell, yet always has a positive outlook, especially when it comes to school. I've never heard her voice a negative comment.
I suppose every school-aged child is overcome with doubt and anxiety at some point following the exam. The month-long wait for your score can seem like eons. And the stakes? Your score determines if you'll advance to the next phase of your academic career. No pressure. If she passes, she'll retake the exam in 10th grade (determining high school advancement) and again as a senior (confirming if she's university-bound). After losing both parents, she gravitated towards school. She's not an A+ student, but education means everything to her. Reading is her escape and has been a savior. When learning she has fallen ill to the same disease as her parents, she became a sponge to learn as much as she can. She eats the right food, makes sure she has her medication, and most importantly, she knows she can survive. She's far beyond her years in this realistic, smart approach to her future. Information is power has never been so fitting. She lives alone, so has no one at home pushing her to study. Our training center has become her second home, family, and go-to for advice, direction, and much structure. Our teachers motivate the girls in the weeks leading up to National Exams. The older girls push the littles, as they've been down this road before. We're in it together - for those who will pass and for those needing to work harder. This morning on the subway (now back in NYC) I received a text. It was an image of her test score and the announcement of her advancement to 9th grade! I let out a massive "YES!!!" and wanted so badly to share this incredible news with my fellow riders. Instead, I happily shared the moment in spirit with her, knowing she's jumping up & down right now celebrating at the training center with her Studio Samuel family. Love this girl - and all those behind her who helped make this moment happen. She didn't ask what the challenges were or what she should do. She simply acted. A lesson for all of us.
When her teacher, epic-Ric Elliott, shared his plans with the class to visit Studio Samuel, Imogen used her voice to lift her peers a world away. (see video) Amesegenallo, Imogen! (thank you)
“The Ethiopian government recently has certified Studio Samuel as a college and our first students are awaiting enrollment! I get chills every time I pause to think about this. I’m running to provide scholarships for girls. Thank you, Sarah! We're so grateful for your dedication and commitment. You're a strong leader for our girls and they adore you! And thanks to all supporters through Kobalt’s Community Outreach Los Angeles.
 We always talk about the girls, but what about the moms, dads and extended family? Or the neighbor, with no blood relation to our student?
These are the caregivers who so selflessly watch over the young girl who may have lost both parents to AIDS or ran away from her rural town after being sold into child marriage. Just two examples of why she now faces living on the street or being placed in a government orphanage for girls. These almighty caregivers likely can’t afford the extra mouth to feed, but because they know the alternative for the child, they do it. Studio Samuel students live at, or below, the poverty line. Many have lost at least one biological parent and they face barriers such as child labor, trafficking and child marriage. The common thread here: her education is denied. With education, she's given the opportunity to break these barriers. And these aren’t just words. Students are doing it while inspiring younger girls along her path to do the same. The common thread in her success? She has a caregiver in her corner, who was also likely denied an education as a child. Get involved today by joining The Studio and give education to a girl. Sending thanks to our partner, Ethiopia Health who keeps the caregivers healthy so their girls can stay in school. #LetGirlsLearn #girlscandoanything #empowergirls  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:
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. Studio Samuel Girls Prepare for International Day of the Girl 2017  Studio Samuel students are learning basic sewing skills in their occupational training class by sewing 500 menstrual kits, which they’ll distribute to girls who lack access to feminine hygiene supplies. In developing countries, this is one of the biggest contributors to girls dropping out of school. Last year, the girls celebrated International Day of the Girl (Oct 11) by visiting schools in the rural area and distributing 250 kits to girls in need. Because of the program’s success, there’s now a waiting list at 16 schools! The girls are working hard to double last year’s impact and reach 500 girls this year. It’s with many thanks to The White Feather Foundation and their supporters for spearheading this initiative last year by providing supplies, including new sewing machines. #IDG2017  250 girls in the Bishoftu community receive kits from Studio Samuel girls (International Day of the Girl 2016) Studio Samuel Student Invited to US Global Leadership Conference, Denied Visa  Her Profile: Not yet 18yrs old, lost both parents at a young age, has transitioned between homes of extended family, and has known poverty her entire life. Beyond her Profile: A shining light who believes in herself, sees the harsh reality of her future if she remains stagnant and has therefore committed herself to education to change her world. This drive and determination landed her in a Global Young Leaders Competition. She’s one of 50 students to secure a seat at the table from over 3,000 applicants around the world. It’s likely she was the only applicant working on her case study by candlelight during power outages and facing loss of internet while conducting required online research for the competition. Between school and her workload at home, she was already putting in 12+ hour days, yet she met application deadlines by finding another 5-6 hours after others went to sleep each night. Or, she would slip away to our computer lab under the guise of running household errands because education for girls is not supported in her home. A case study was required of each applicant; highlighting a need in his or her community and finding a solution. As she progressed through each stage of the competition, her uncertainty turned to hope. She began embracing the idea that her voice mattered, her work mattered and that she actually had a shot of winning. Her proposal to tackle infrastructure in a community so divided by rich and poor was noticed. Not only noticed, but selected – by experts in their field. Her case study was deemed both feasible and vital to her community. She WON! She was offered an all-expenses paid trip, which would be chaperoned by our Country Director, ensuring her safe travels to and from the US and offering general assistance along the way. At the one week long US retreat, she would share her case study with the 50 other winners and be matched with a mentor and key group of young leaders whom she would work with remotely over the course of the next year. During this period, the teams would be implementing their case studies within their communities around the globe while remaining in touch.  Young Global Leadership Retreat, 2016 She was offered an all-expenses paid trip, which would be chaperoned by our Country Director, ensuring her safe travels to and from the US and offering general assistance along the way. At the one week long US retreat, she would share her case study with the 50 other winners and be matched with a mentor and key group of young leaders whom she would work with remotely over the course of the next year. During this period, the teams would be implementing their case studies within their communities around the globe while remaining in touch. Logistics were in place; including passport in hand, her agenda with the U.S. Studio Samuel team and her visa appointment was scheduled. Knowing this would be no easy task, we secured letters of support from key community members, the competition organizers and more. It was the day of her visa appointment and at 3amEST, my What’sApp message came through from our Country Director. I heard the notification and butterflies swirled in my stomach before opening my eyes. This was it. This meant they had left the US Embassy in Ethiopia and were issued a decision. A girl’s future rested on securing this visa and I didn’t know if I was prepared for the outcome.  A common sight in the community, when girls are denied an education. “She was denied. We are both very, very sad.” It ripped me apart inside.
No US retreat. No year-long leadership program. She will not meet colleagues who will become lifelong friends. She will not have a mentor to guide her through the crucial years of teen to young woman. She won’t be there to share her case study that would have created great impact for her community. Looking at all she gained through the application process, soaking in every experience like a sponge, I don’t doubt for one moment this strong young woman would have broken her cycle of poverty – and that of a few community members – with this opportunity. She has overcome obstacles a young girl should never experience and because of her strong will, has made these challenges her motivators. I suppose because of this, she will be fine but I don’t want to accept ‘fine’ for her. She is so much more. |
To protect the privacy of our students and families, images and/or personal details are modified. Thank you for understanding.
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Studio Samuel is a registered 501(c)(3) in the U.S. and a licensed International NGO in Ethiopia.
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