Children as young as 7 shine shoes and sell chewing gum, sweets, lottery tickets and other small items on the streets of Piazza, Merkato and other busy, chaotic sections of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, so they can make ends meet for themselves and their families. Many drop out of school because they can’t afford the cost of attendance, which includes having the required school uniform, books and school supplies. According to the Education Policy Data Center, 32% (About 1 out of 3) children in Ethiopia of primary school age are out of school, with that number rising as the age range increases.

The Amharic word Tesfa (ተስፋ) translates to hope in English. The slogan, Hope for Tomorrow, signifies the power of education to provide a better future.

It is the mission of Tesfa to ensure that children across Ethiopia stay in school by alleviating educational related financial burdens. We do this by collecting monetary donations and distributing necessities to schools in need across the country.