Learn about our mission, story, values, and the dedicated team transforming lives across Ethiopia.
Our Journey
In 2005 E.C. (2012 G.C.), a group of 20 students—including Mrs. Selamnesh Tadesse—traveled to Hosanna on a spiritual journey. Walking through the city streets, they encountered two mothers whose stories would change everything.
One mother sat on the sidewalk, cradling her three young children and quietly seeking help. The other worked as a café waitress by day, but was driven by the weight of survival to work as a prostitute at night.
When we spoke with them, both mothers shared the same soul-stirring truth behind their struggle:
"It is all to send our children to school."
Though just students at the time, the group refused to look away. They partnered with a local school owner to secure full scholarships for the children and dignified employment for their mothers.
That single act of compassion ignited a movement. What began as a school club has grown into a national charity, led by co-founder and CEO Mrs. Selamnesh Tadesse—still driven by the same spirit that first met those mothers on the streets of Hosanna.
From a single classroom to transforming hundreds of lives—discover our journey of growth and impact.
Founded in 2005 E.C. as መማር ያልቻሉ ተማሪዎች ደጋፊ ማህበር (“Support Club for Students Unable to Attend School”), our journey began with 20 student volunteers from Grades 9–12 at FA International School. Together, we began supporting two children, helping them enroll in school and providing uniforms, meals, and academic mentorship.
2013–2014 (2006 E.C.)
Our grassroots efforts continued to grow, expanding our support from two to six children and strengthening the foundation of our mission.
Our support grew to eight children and expanded beyond education as we helped rebuild the homes of two vulnerable community members. Despite our limited resources as students, we strengthened our bond with the children and their families by sharing meals and celebrating holidays together.
2017–2018 (2010 E.C.)
Building on our initial Kebele-level registration, we advanced our organizational status by registering as the Strong Hope Association at the Zonal level and securing a Zonal License. We also established our first city office and expanded our support from 8 to 34 children. We introduced quarterly student recognition awards and regular family visits. The year culminated in our largest initiative yet: in partnership with the Women and Children Affairs Bureau, we provided essential educational materials to 300 displaced children at Hossana Cultural Hall.
We expanded our humanitarian and educational outreach by facilitating a back-to-school program for 500 displaced children. Our efforts also reached the Busa area in the Oromia Region, where we provided outreach and psychological support to 111 displaced children, helping address both their educational and emotional well-being.
2019–2020 (2012 E.C.)
We reached a major institutional milestone by officially registering at the national level as Bertu Tesfa Charitable Organization (BTO). Before the COVID-19 pandemic, we operated our own school, enrolling 70 children from KG1 to KG3. When the pandemic forced the school to close, we launched a rehabilitation and reintegration initiative for 46 street-connected children. Of these, 33 were reunited with their families and 13 received residential care for three years.
2020–2021 (2013 E.C.)
We expanded our long-term support program to 100 children, strengthening our commitment to their education and well-being. In response to COVID-19, we also reached 1,000 displaced and low-income children with essential supplies and psychosocial support.
In partnership with the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, we provided educational materials and psychosocial support to 10,000 children across Dire Dawa, Metehara, Tulu Bolo, Arba Minch, Jinka/Dimeka, Hossana, and Shone — a major step in expanding our impact across multiple regions of Ethiopia.
We took an important step in expanding our educational program by introducing the official Grade 1 curriculum at our center. At the same time, enrollment grew to 130 children, strengthening our capacity to provide sustained educational support as children progressed beyond kindergarten.
We relocated to a larger campus in Hossana, creating more space to serve our growing community and expanding our educational program through Grade 2. Our enrollment grew to 160 fully sponsored children, each receiving comprehensive support covering education, daily meals, and healthcare.
Our direct support grew to 280 children — 180 students enrolled at our center through Grade 3 and 100 students who transitioned to nearby public schools while continuing to receive our support. This growing network reflects our commitment to accompanying children throughout their educational journey, both within and beyond our center.
At Bertu Tesfa, we believe every child deserves love, dignity, education, and opportunity.
Our mission is to provide comprehensive support to vulnerable children in Ethiopia through quality education, healthcare, nutrition, and social services. We work to create environments where children can thrive and reach their full potential.
We envision a world where every child has access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to build a bright future for themselves and their communities.
Through your generous support, we're making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
KIDS ENROLLED
Quality education for long-term change.
MEALS SERVED
Providing meals to vulnerable children at various times throughout the year
MEDICAL CHECKUPS
Access to free medical care and healthcare services
CLOTHING ITEMS
Clean clothes for warmth and confidence
Materials Distributed
Our flagship program providing essential school supplies to children across the country once a year.
These values guide every decision we make and every action we take.
We approach our work with empathy and care, recognizing the dignity and worth of every child.
We are committed to openness and accountability in all our operations and financial management.
We welcome and serve all children regardless of background, religion, or ability.
Our leadership team brings decades of experience in nonprofit management, education, and child welfare
CEO
Project Director
Human Resource
Our ambitious plans to expand impact and serve more children.
We plan to expand our educational programs to provide continuous support through Grade 8, ensuring children receive a complete primary education.
We aim to expand our health and nutrition programs to all regional sites, ensuring comprehensive support for children's physical wellbeing.
Currently in a rented facility, we aim to purchase land and build our own center to provide a permanent home for our programs and services.
There are many ways to support our mission and help create brighter futures for vulnerable children.