Empowering Change and Hope

Welcome to the Mekedonia Youth Organization!

We are a dedicated group of young people and supporters from the US and around the world, working together to assist Mekedonia Homes in caring for the homeless, elderly, disabled, and vulnerable individuals in Ethiopia. Join us as we empower young leaders and make a meaningful impact—no matter where you are!

Get Involved

HELP US EMPOWER YOUTH

Who We Are

The Mekedonia Youth Organization (MYO) is a branch of Mekedonia Charity Homes, an Ethiopian non-profit humanitarian organization founded in 2010. The MYO aims to mobilize young people in the United States and globally to support Mekedonia's mission of assisting the homeless, elderly, and disabled in Ethiopia.

UPCOMING EVENTS

DONATE

Anyone can make a difference for the elderly and those with mental disabilities—every contribution matters. Together, we can uplift our community and bring hope to those in need.

GET INVOLVED

MYO provides leadership training, mentorship, volunteering, and outreach programs to help youth grow personally, build life skills, and stay engaged in their communities.

OUR MISSION

The Mekedonia Youth Organization empowers youth worldwide to support vulnerable communities in Ethiopia, fostering leadership, inclusivity, and positive change both locally and globally.

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Programs Overview

BECOME A MEMBER

Join us in making a difference by becoming a member today. Together, we can positively impact the lives of those in need in Ethiopia and contribute to a cause that is greater than ourselves.

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LEADERSHIP ROLES

Join the Mekedonia Youth Organization’s leadership team.

Members can take on leadership roles, such as Director of Community Outreach, Media and Marketing, or Fundraising, which allows them to gain hands-on experience in event organization, project management, and team leadership.

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BECOME A MENTOR

"Empower the Next Generation"

By becoming a mentor, you can guide and inspire young minds to reach their potential. The Mekedonia Youth Mentorship Program connects compassionate adult volunteers with youth in our community, fostering meaningful relationships.

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IMPACT REPORT

We have impacted the lives of many in Ethiopia through our various youth-focused programs and initiatives.

Beneficiaries Reached

8,000+

Over eight thousand individuals have directly benefited from the projects and support provided by MYO.

Members / Volunteers

500+

Our dedicated volunteers have contributed hundreds of hours to serve communities across Ethiopia.

Donations

20,000+

Thanks to our generous donors, we have raised over $20,000 to support our mission and beneficiaries.

Learn More About Mekedonia Homes

Watch Now

The Mekedonia Youth Organization was founded by Evanie Efrem and Liana Efrem after being deeply inspired by the impactful work of the Mekedonia Home in Ethiopia.

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Meet Our Leadership Team - 2025

Co-Founder & President

Evanie Efrem

Hi! My name is Evanie Efrem, and I am the co-founder of Mekedonia Youth Organization. I’m a rising junior in high school with a passion for helping others. I started a tutoring program at my church to help students excel and feel confident in school. I’m also involved in clubs like CSF and volunteer at Twin Lakes Food Bank. In my free time, I enjoy being with family and friends and leading my church youth choir. I am dedicated to making a positive impact on homeless, elderly, and disabled individuals in Ethiopia.

Co-Founder & Vice President

Liana Efrem

My name is Liana Efrem, and I am a rising 9th-grade student from Sacramento. I co-founded the Mekedonia Youth Organization to support the homeless in Ethiopia and empower youth globally. In middle school, I developed leadership skills through various clubs and co-founded a tutoring program for students in my church community. I am one of the choir leaders at my church and volunteer at Twin Lakes Food Bank. In my free time, I enjoy cooking and trying out new recipes.

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Director of Media and Marketing - Massachusetts

Lucy Haile

I am a 10th-grade student and president of the class of 2027. I participate in seven clubs, co-founded a tutoring program for the Habesha community, and have completed over 100 hours of community service. Outside of school, I enjoy cooking and trying new recipes, always looking for ways to make a positive impact.

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Director of Media and Marketing - Sacramento

Hilena Daniel

My name is Hilena Daniel, and I'm a 12th grader involved in the CODE Pathway and the girls’ computing club. Through the Design and Technology Academy (DATA), I focus on civic engagement and coding with HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and Python. I also enjoy playing beach volleyball, which I did for seven years.

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Director of Media and Marketing - Missouri

Hezkiel Dubale

Hello! I am Hezkiel Dubale, a sophomore in the STL area. I am currently a lead on community service within MAC Scholars, a multicultural committee. I’m active in student council, HOSA, and have experience coaching youth basketball and managing social media for communities. I maintain a 4.56 GPA, enjoy reading and watching videos, and have an adorable 6-year-old cat.

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Director of Media and Marketing - Massachusetts

Betel Daniel

Hi! I'm Betel Daniel, a 16-year-old Junior in high school passionate about community service. As a National Honor Society member and co-founder of a tutoring program for Habesha youth, I focus on academic excellence and helping others. I love spending time with loved ones and finding inspiration in art and nature!

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Director of Community Outreach - Missouri

Ezana Dubale

Hi! I’m Ezana, and I’m in the 10th grade. I take all AP and Honors classes and have maintained the honor roll for quite a while now! I previously played basketball during my time off, but now I like writing and calling my friends. I’m on a job search, which is tough when you’re 15 years old! I specialize in community outreach because of my connections and people skills.

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Director of Community Outreach - Sacramento

Helina Nebiyu

My name is Helina Nebiyu, and I’m currently a junior. At my school, I take on leadership roles in clubs where I can make a positive impact on my peers and inspire change in my community. In my free time, I enjoy making art, listening to music, and being with my friends. I’m very excited to be the Director of Community Outreach in Sacramento for MYO!

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Director of Media and Marketing - Maryland

Michael Berhanu

As a sophomore on my high school's debate and mock trial teams, I have experience advocating for various causes, including addressing homelessness. I'm also starting a non-profit with friends to tackle school lunch debt for underprivileged families, utilizing a social media campaign to attract donors and support. I take great pride in my Ethiopian heritage, which motivates me to help improve my home country.

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Director of Fundraising - Sacramento

Sade Yimer

Hi, my name is Sade Yimer and I am the director of fundraising for Mekedonia Youth Organization and I am a freshman. In my free time I enjoy running, studying, and spending time with my friends at school and at Church! I am so excited to perform my leadership position for Mekedonia and to be apart of this journey!

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Director of Community Outreach - Virginia

Nathan Muzeyen

My name is Nathan Muzeyen, a high school freshman. I'm passionate about soccer, video games, and community service. I build PCs and pilot as my skills. I'm the school rep for the local library’s teen advisory board and involved in the Civil Air Patrol, Ethio-Eritrean Association, Wegene youth club, and my school’s homeless outreach. I look forward to helping those in need and working with new members.

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Director of Fundraising - Sacramento

Soliana Mamo

My name is Soliana Mamo, and I am a sophomore. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, participating in soccer and running, and traveling. Additionally, I have a strong commitment to serving my community, with a particular focus on initiatives that support the homeless population.

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Director of Community Outreach - Sacramento

Soliana Yohannes

My name is Soliana Yohannes, and I am in 10th grade. When I was younger, I used to feed homeless people in Ethiopia. I also tutor kids at my church. I'm really excited to serve as the director of community outreach in Sacramento. In my free time, I enjoy drawing and playing soccer for fun. I like to hang out with my friends and go to church.

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Director of Community Outreach - New Jersey

Raey Meaza

Hi, I’m Raey Meaza, the Director of Community Outreach in New Jersey. I immigrated from Ethiopia and am now a high school freshman. I’m passionate about creativity and making an impact through innovative projects. I also love reading, writing, and poetry, with aspirations to become an English teacher. I’m excited to be part of the Mekedonia Youth Organization!

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Director of Community Outreach - Sacramento

Nemhiya Girma

My name is Nemhiya Girma, and I am currently a sophomore in high school. I have been a deacon at Mekane Sebhat Kidist Selassie Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church for six years, and I've been teaching zema (melodies) to new deacons for two years. Also, I am a part of the church’s choir and have recently begun teaching the word of God.

I'm looking forward to helping those in need and supporting those in Ethiopia.

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Director of Community Outreach - Sacramento

Ezana Daniel

My name is Ezana Daniel, and I am the Director of Community Outreach in Sacramento. I am currently a sophomore in high school and have been serving as a deacon at Mekane Sebhat Kidist Sellasie Orthodox Tewahedo Church for about six years. I am eager to be part of the Mekedonia Youth Organization to help those in need.

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Director of Community Outreach - Kansas

Rebekah Tariku

I am a sophomore and currently a board executive for the Diversity Club and co-founder of the STEM Research Club. I also participate in the Followers of Christ (FCS), Pre-Medical Seekers Club, and Sources of Strength. Outside of school, I hold leadership roles in my church and taekwondo studio as a Sunday School and Taekwondo Instructor. Taekwondo has instilled virtues like humility and compassion in me while enhancing my communication skills and confidence. This experience has deepened my faith, which I share with other youths.

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Director of Fundraising - Kansas

Abby Denekew

My name is Abby Denekew, and I’m a high school freshman involved in BSU, Pre-medical Seekers, Relay for Life, and FCS. I love dancing and running, and I worked at a taekwondo studio mentoring kids. This role taught me valuable life skills like kindness and self-awareness. At school, I participate in track and field and dance, and I teach Sunday School for kids at my church. I enjoy attending church weekly as well.

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Director of Fundraising - Kansas

Eliada Siraj

Hi, I'm Eliada Siraj, the Director of Fundraising in Kansas. I'm a freshman in high school, taking AP and Honors classes while leading over 7 clubs, including HOSA and Medical Club. I have a year of tutoring experience and am passionate about fundraising for cancer research, teaching at my church’s Sunday School, and volunteering. My leadership has deepened my faith and compassion. In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball and spending time with friends and family. I'm excited about the chance to make a positive impact in my community!

Director of Community Outreach - Kansas

Liya Daniel

Hello! My name is Liya Daniel, and I am the Director of Community Outreach in Kansas. I am a sophomore in high school and serve on my school’s Black Student Union and Student Council. One of my favorite hobbies is reading, and I do it in my free time.

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Director of Fundraising - Missouri

Soliana Tsega

Bio coming soon

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Assistant Director of Fundraising - Sacramento

Meklit Aidomias

My name is Meklit Aidomias, and I am the Assistant Director of Fundraising for the Mekedonia Youth Organization. I am currently in eighth grade. In addition to my leadership role at MYO, I have held various positions at my school, including office aide and peer tutor. I possess valuable skills in budgeting, money management, and journaling, which help me stay focused on my goals and maintain organization. I also enjoy playing sports, particularly volleyball. I am passionate about raising funds to support those in Ethiopia who are in need.

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Assistant Director of Fundraising - Sacramento

Bethlehem Richard

Hi! My name is Bethlehem Richard. I'm in seventh grade. In my free time, I enjoy reading and ice skating. I want to join Mekedonia Youth because I want to lend a helping hand to the homeless people in Ethiopia. I will do my best to spread awareness and raise donations to help those in need. I'm super excited to join!

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Director of Community Outreach - North Carolina

Samuel Getachew

My name is Samuel Getachew, and I am in eighth grade. I have experience volunteering for community service and have skills in drawing and writing. In my free time, I enjoy coding on Scratch, reading, and drawing.

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Assistant Director of Community Outreach - North Carolina

Arron Getachew

My name is Arron Getachew, and I am currently in 7th grade. I have dedicated several hours to volunteer work, which has helped me develop my leadership skills. I enjoy sports and excel in communication, and in my free time, I love playing soccer and exploring technology.

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Assistant Director of Community Outreach - North Carolina

Musse Getachew

My name is Musse Getachew, and I am a 7th grader with several hours of volunteering experience in various activities. I have skills in determination and communication. In my free time, I enjoy playing sports and exploring technology.

Empowering Change and Hope

HELP US EMPOWER YOUTH

Who We Are

Programs Overview

BECOME A MEMBER

LEADERSHIP ROLES

BECOME A MENTOR

IMPACT REPORT

Beneficiaries Reached

8,000+

500+

20,000+

Learn More About Mekedonia Homes

Meet Our Leadership Team - 2025

GET IN TOUCH

Contact us: