Emebet Samuel Kassa
Clark University, International Development, Community, and Environment
Home country: Ethiopia

I was born and educated in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Before I joined Clark University, I was working as a Program Officer for Save the Children/USA Ethiopia Field Office for a US Government funded program which helps orphans and other vulnerable children. Even though I had exposure to be involved in various development works, I would say my significant life experience would be the experience I had during this summer when I was involved in conducting an after drought assessment with a consultant from London. I had chance to learn the different coping mechanisms pastoralists use during drought situation. One of my noteworthy achievements would be organizing the official launching of a 20 million USD project where the President of Ethiopia, Ministers, religious leaders, government officials and beneficiary communities were present. The event was attended by more than 500 people. My other achievement is organizing a group of friends to help orphan children complete their education and improve their livelihood. I was personally involved in identifying and selecting one child headed household where four girls live by themselves. We have been covering their education expenses, food and house. Currently two of the girls have graduated from high school. The third one just finished her six months training on sewing and we have provided her a brand new sewing machine so that she can start work. We have also provided the girls with a baking machine to make and sell “Enjera”, Ethiopian pita bread. I believe that this would help the girls to stand by themselves and improve their livelihood.