In January I sat in amazement listening to the stories about our 161 scholars from parents, teachers, and administrators in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.  Their stories were filled with joy, because of the generosity of people like you who enabled us to grow the number of our scholars since last year from 71.  When I first met our newly selected scholars five years ago they were malnourished, because they, like their parents, scavenged in the garbage dump to find food and recyclable materials to sell.  All of them survived by earning less than $2 a day.  In addition to living next to the garbage dump, some of their parents suffer from HIV/AIDS or Hansen's Disease (leprosy).  Despite these obstacles, International Samaritan's support for our scholars is transforming and changing their lives as they pursue their dream to complete their education and have a job.  Our students who were once hungry and struggling with their grades are now excelling in their studies and some are even the best of their class.  I heard from our graduates who are now working as bus drivers, nurses, teachers, and accountants!  Both of our graduates and current scholars are very grateful for this opportunity.

Listening to these stories made me appreciate what International Samaritan is doing not only in Ethiopia, but also in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Jamaica.  International Samaritan's scholars receive food assistance, tuition, uniforms and clothing, books, school supplies, leadership training, and tutoring.

Will you join me?  

• Fast with me by eating on less than $2 in one day on Friday, February 28th.  For more information about International Samaritan's campaign to raise awareness about hunger and poverty, please visit our Fast2Change webpage https://www.intsam.org/fast2change/
• Please consider donating to grow our scholarship program to include one new scholar.  Any donation, large or small, is greatly appreciated to fund a new scholarship.  $500 raised will fully fund one elementary school scholarship, $1,000 raised can support a new high school scholarship, and $2,500 can support a university scholarship. 100% of your donation will go directly to our scholars, and I will personally thank you and ensure that it goes to a deserving child in need.