Our Story
Twenty years ago, a group of friends gathered to discuss their shared desire to help their homeland, Ethiopia. This conversation sparked the creation of the Wegene Ethiopian Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives in impoverished communities of Addis Ababa. The founders, Ethiopians residing in the U.S., recognized the power of education and community support in breaking the cycle of poverty. The name 'Wegene' translates to 'empowering my community' in Amharic, reflecting the foundation's grassroots approach to aid. By supporting local families through community members, Wegene has made a significant impact, helping 167 families, with 61 achieving self-sufficiency.