h2 Empower

H2 Empower is a small but mighty Nonprofit with a huge impact on children and families in Ethiopia and Burundi. Their work in education is inspiring. They provide educational materials, train teachers, build classrooms, and help bring water to these communities. Their efforts and impact on children and their communities continues to expand exponentially. I highly recommend them and their great work.

When i visited the primary school and associated public library in Hosanna in Ethiopia, I saw the commitment of the Community to work with h2 Empower to improve the education of children and the broader community. h2 Empower had worked in partnership with the Community to provide better educational facilities, books in local languages. This was the ONLY public library that I saw in my 3 years of work within Ethiopia. Indeed, I saw the opposite -- books, locked away behind glass, never to be touched again after being donated. h2 Empower staff have a long term commitment to the community and hire and work with local staff. Yes, they exceeded my expectations. So many projects fail in the long term due to lack of Community support -- it was a delight to see their work. I made a significant donation to h2 Empower to honour a woman who was a key mentor in my education. I know that money will be well spent achieving the goals that they state.

The members of this non-profit work unceasingly to enrich the lives of the people of Ethiopia and Berundi. Through fund raising and actual trips to these areas, they bring education, water, schoolrooms, classroom materials, libraries, books and scholarships in order to help people help themselves to a fuller life. Helen Boxwill and the members of this organization have undertaken numerous trips to Africa, driven by their strong belief that education is a powerful catalyst for change.

As a long-time donor to h2Empower, I’m continually impressed by the profound impact this organization has in Ethiopia. What drew me in initially was the transparency—knowing that every dollar I give goes directly toward life-changing projects. Over the years, I’ve seen the incredible results: libraries built, access to clean water, and children who now have the books and resources they need to thrive. The dedication of Helen Boxwill and her team is nothing short of inspiring. They work tirelessly to ensure that the communities they serve are empowered with the tools for a better future. I am proud to support h2Empower, and I can confidently say that my contributions are making a real difference.
Shira Lynne, Educator

 

Seeing is believing, and I’ve had the privilege through first hand accounts speaking with board members and volunteers who have traveled to Ethiopia with Helen Boxwill, the dedicated director of h2Empower. Helen and her small not-for-profit exemplify how even modest efforts can create monumental change. I listened first-hand how h2Empower has transformed lives: educational tools put into action, books delivered into eager hands, and seeing students use of the community’s first-ever library that h2Empower built. I saw the pure joy on faces as water flowed into villages that once required miles of walking to retrieve. And that’s only scratching the surface. Every penny h2Empower raises goes right back into making a difference. I wholeheartedly endorse h2Empower and the incredible work they do. Jamie Nicole-Educator

H2 Empower is a dedicated non-profit. The small organization works with people to create awareness of education and the importance of people working to help themselves.

H2Empower is an amazing non for profit organization that supports education for students in Ethiopia and Burundi. They deliver books , built classrooms and they provide support for the kids , men and women . They have helped the teachers as well with many things . The volunteers who help with this organization also interact with both students and teachers and help in every way . I love H2Empower and what they do because , they have built bonds with the children and adults in Ethiopia and Burundi and have changed their lives in so many ways !!! And as for Helen Boxwill who makes it all happen she is a amazing and intelligent woman and her big heart keeps the organization going !!!

Being part of h2 Enpower has been an amazing rewarding experience. I have been part of this organization for many years and the amount of children's lives we have touched is unimaginable. Every year we hold fundraisers to help fund the schools and library. Helen is the founder and is an amazing woman, as well as all board member each who has done their part making this an outstanding organization .

Helen, the board members and volunteers work tirelessly gathering support to empower the people of Ethiopia . They set up wonderful and fun fundraisers . They always have beautiful items that are handmade on their Etsy site.

I am Burundian. I have known H2 Empower since 2015, when there was insecurity in our country and some young people were refugees in Rwanda.Helen and her H2 Empower helped them in the camp to continue their studies.It is an incredible action , burundians are so proud of it.May God protects Helen and her H2 Empower.

I am burundian. I am here to say how much I am so happy and so thankful for how H2 Empower is supporting our Burundians students.I knew them through a cousin who got the support of H2 Empower in his medical studies,now he is trying to help others in his community. If we should have many people like Helen who carried about other people, the world would be heaven

I am Burundian and I am so thankful for what H2 Empower is doing for Burundians students.Many of them have seen their dreams about their studies become true.Others still have the support of H2 Empower..Those who finished their studies are searching or creating jobs in order to help their communities.May Helen and her H2 empower be blessed abundantly.

I am one of the students that Helen, through H2 Empower, has supported. She gives hope to my life. I finished my university studies. I am so thankful. And I wish that Helen that other students will have the chance to get the support, and reach what they dream. May GOD bless abundantly Helen.

I learned about H2 Empower through one of Burundians students who has been supported by Helen. She gives hope to Burundians students. Now I see some of them giving help in their communities . Helen and her team are very incredible..Burundians are so thankful for what you are doing for their youth.

I am the one of many students that Helen has supported.For the first year of my university till the end. Now I am finished with my studies three years ago . Now I found a job and I am happy that I can give a little help to my communities.May the almighty God bless Helen for her golden heart.

I am so thankful for what h2 empower has done for me. I finished my medical studies in my country, Burundi with their support. Now I'm working for my community and I am so proud to help people around me. With H2 empower burundians students will have another sense of life , a hope of their future.
Best regards.

h2 Empower is a far reaching, committed, non-profit that has dedicated itself to improving the lives of women, children and the under-served in Ethiopia and Burundi. My family and I have volunteered in their many drives to create libraries and student scholarships, improve classroom equipment and settings, instruct teachers, librarians, create work opportunities for women, and bring the most basic of elements--clean drinking water-- to schools and villages.
When I view their videos and photos, and hear back from people I personally know, who have gone to Ethiopia along with h2 Empower's creator, Helen Boxwill, I realize how great the need is, how much of an impact h2 Empower has made, and how grateful the recipients are for this much needed help. Helen Boxwill is a leader who has always been involved in education and helping people. She has vision and has made a remarkable difference in so many people's lives. I will continue to support h2 Empower.

I have heard about the important work of h2Empower in helping women and children for a very long time. And, this past year, I'm so happy to have personally met Helen and have witnessed her dedication. I've learned much more about h2Empower and how it has helped many in Burundi, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. They've helped provide dreams come true: water in areas where there was none, education: teachers, supplies, schools, and more.

I've had the opportunity to help in the ways I can, and the experience has been rewarding. Helen Boxwill is a mentor for me and all of us. She is ethical, kind, compassionate, understanding, and a great leader in changing our world for the better.

I have known h2 Empower's founder Helen Boxwill for many years in my capacity as a fundraiser and other events producer. She is an AMAZING woman with a "can-do" spirit and what she has done for poor communities in Ethiopia is incredible. Transformative. Uplifting. Hope-giving. Helen has not only helped countless people in Ethiopia but also here in the US. She is always one of the first to volunteer to help with any event I am planning and adds immeasurably to it. I would support any endeavor of hers and h2 Empower's in any way I can, and I hope others see the unbelievable value she brings to all of her efforts. Helen has vision and she makes them become reality. The good that this woman and her nonprofit has done over the decades is astounding.

h2Empower supports education for students in Ethiopia and Burundi by delivering books , building classrooms and providing support and professional development to the teachers. The volunteers also interact with both students and teachers. Volunteers have visited the countries and will continue to visit after the pandemic. Posted by Robin Finan-Jones, Ed.D, Member of UU Congregation Shelter Rock, NY

H2Empower has opened my eyes to the culture, history and art of Ethiopia. H2Empower is a dedicated, kind and diligent nonprofit, I am happy to support them and their endeavors.

I had the good fortune to travel to Ethiopia with a small group from h2Empower.
I witnessed first hand the good and important activities this non-profit has done. I saw how water, which had not been available, was brought into a school for youngsters. I also saw classrooms being constructed which would let the natural light inside as opposed to the dim, dark classrooms that most young students had to learn in. The schools had libraries with books that had been provided
by h2Empower.
It was heartening to see the high regard with which the people held the executive director,
Helen Boxwill and how
truly appreciative they were.
We had the opportunity to travel to various parts of the country and to meet and break bread with the local people.
It was a thoroughly rewarding experience.
I have recently become a board member.

I have been working with Helen Boxwill and H2 Empower as a volunteer and Board member since 2010. H2 Empower has helped children in the southern part of Ethiopia by constructing a public library for primary school aged children. They have had teachers trained to work at the library and its effect on children of the surrounding communities has been nothing short of amazing. The benefit of the library that H2 Empower has established in the community is immeasurable. I am happy to volunteer my time and efforts as a professional librarian to support H2 Empower and the wonderful things they do and continue to do!!.

h2 Empower is a small, yet powerful nonprofit, raising awareness, equity and inclusivity through education and sustainable practices in Ethiopia and Burundi. They are an amazing group of people to work with, who have direct connections to these beautiful countries.

h2 Empower is an organization you can believe in. They are truly making an impact in Ethiopia and Burundi! Excited to see what else they are able to accomplish this year (‘22) and forward!

Kids without water or bathrooms can't learn. I think we all remember how easy we were distracted when we were young. It's really inspiring to see this group focus on the bigger picture, all the infrastructure that supports a school. I'm donating to see more classrooms, and good bathrooms built in schools in Ethiopia.

My partner and I had the unique opportunity to travel to Ethiopia in early 2020, just before the pandemic. It was a wonderful tour of the country over 9 days. We saw so many struggling families so coming back, I wanted to really do something for the country and looking around on Facebook, I found H2Empower! Reading their story and testimonials was really sweet. They have a really focused approach in education development and I think that is just so important and really preferable.

H2Empower is a not-for-profit with passion and heart. The board members work with feet on the ground in Ethiopia and Burundi alongside the locals to help support the community with education, renewable resources, scholarships, and building libraries. If you talk about grassroots, work this is it. I’m always happy to make a contribution knowing that 95% of the donations go directly to these efforts. Thank you h2Empower for doing what you do to help the people in Ethiopia.

Hello, i'm Gloria one of those who has been helped by h2 Empower to go to university. i'am grateful for what you have done to me, now i have bachelor's degree in statistics.God bless you

Hello I am Larbaud.A burundian student.I just want to take a little time to express my gratitude to h2empower for supporting burundians students..I want to thank Helen and her staff for everything you are doing for burundians students..Thank you so much

Hello!Im Pasteur and I'm one of Burundi refugees living in Rwanda.
I'm really thankful to h2 Empower, Inc for their precious support.
Burundi refugees living the Mahama refugee camp are truly benefiting so much from this helpful Organisation. We're now improving our Skills in English and many others are getting scholarship.

Hello! My name is Froduard one of Burundi refugees living in Rwanda. I'm kindly writing to appreciate each and every support provided by h2Empower for Burundi refugees.

Hi! Im Ghislaine Nishimwe one of Burundi refugees living in the Mahama refugee camp in Rwanda. Im also an active membre of MUELA. Im proudly writing to appreciate the h2Empower,Inc's works for Burundi refugees. May God bless Helen Boxwill for Her dedication.

Hello! I'm Olivier
I'm one of Burundi refugees living in Rwanda. I'm writing to express my gratefulness to h2Empower for each and everything they are doing for Burundi refugees.

Hello! I'm Kellia one of Burundi refugees living in the Mahama refugee camp in Rwanda. I would like to express my gratitude to h2Empower for their great support to Burundi refugees. I do appreciate all h2Empower's works towards refugees. May God bless Helen Boxwill with her staff members.

I thank h2 empower for the good actions that is doing for burundian refugees especially students. May the Grace of God be upon you forever

Hi! My name is Tharcisse from Burundi. I'm writing to appreciate everything h2 Empower is doing for Burundians especially refugees. May God bless Helen Boxwill with her staff abundantly.

I really appreciate the work of h2 empower for burundian refugees in mahama camp especially students. May God bless you

Hi, My name is Jeanne d'Arc Inamahoro from Burundi but Im currently a refugee in Rwanda. Im please to acknwoledge that h2 Empower,Inc is dedicated to helping Burundi ans particularly refugees.

I traveled to Ethiopia with h2Empower to visit schools and libraries where they have worked and made an impact. I was impressed by the new water system they put into a large school that previously had no clean water, by the library and computer room they funded at another school, and by the enthusiasm of teachers they had trained. h2 Empower is making a direct impact on the education and well-being of countless students in the Hossaina area, which is very poor. Helen Boxwill, the Executive Director, is impressive in that she takes her cues for projects through collaboration with both the schools and with people who have good overviews about the structure of education in the area. She has a long history of working in this part of Ethiopia and was clearly well loved by the educators and administrators we met. I was moved to donate to this project and will continue to do so.

I'm Amans SERUBEBE,Burundian refugee!I live in MAHAMA refugee camp precisely in Rwanda country!I 'm very grateful for h2empower,inc activities working as a non profit organization!

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of the group traveling
to Ethiopia with h2Empower in February- March,2019. We visited many places
and I was able to see first hand the good work they are doing,and to participate
in a part of it. They brought books to a school library, saw a classroom being
built from the funds that h2 Empower provided. They brought water to a school
that had none.
I participated by co-presenting a worksop in English for school teachers , and visiting the local university to speak with the students.
Helen Boxwill is the founder of h2Empower and has been dedicated for 17 years
traveling to Ethiopia and Burundi and bringing people on tours to help out.
It was evident that the people we visited held her in high esteem. She has made
many contacts over those years.
We experienced the hospitality of the people and were invited into homes
to share conversation and meals.We got a glimpse into the culture.
Helen understands what and where the needs are and works on addressing them. h2Empower makes a big difference in the lives of people,a difference that
will last for a lifetime through generations. I feel fortunate to have this opportunity.

I'm Amans SERUBEBE and I'm a Burundian refugee in Rwanda precisely at the Mahama refugee camp. I'm happy to acknowledge that h2 empower,inc is a non profit organizationand is helping many people around the world . We are thankful to her for the support.

I am Juvenal Nduwimana and I am Burundian Refugee in Mahama Camp. l would like to congratulate h2 Empower,Inc for what they are doing for Burundi Refugees.

I'm David ndagijimana and I'm Burundian refugee in Rwanda.
I'm one of MUELA's members and I really appreciate h2Empower,Inc as nonprofit organization which is helping young Burundian refugees at the Mahama camp.

I'm Jean Claude and I'm a Burundi refugee in Rwanda precisely at the Mahama refugee camp. I'm happy to acknowledge that Helen Boxwill is helping Young Burundi refugees at the camp. We are thankful to her for the support.

h2Empower is one of the great NGOs I came across while working in the field of education and literacy development in Ethiopia.It is the voice of the voiceless and marginalised communities particularly in Hadiya zone of Southern Nations,Nationalities and Peoples Regional State.It has shown real contributions in changing the lives of these communities with varied needs.

h 2 Empower Inc.
P. O. Box 493
Huntington Station, NY 11746
631-549-9346 (2510991161170)
www.h2empower.com
email:hboxwill@h2empower.com

As far as I know, H2 Empower has provided school librarians training for more than 100 schools( primary and secondary) and the tertiary institutions librarians in Hosanna Zone, Ethiopia. This was in two rounds and H2 Empower has done this in a very innovative and interactive way. The other good thing that H2 Empower did is that it collaborates with other NGOs like Roots Ethiopia and the local sector offices. This is the best approach in facilitating to meet local needs.

Apart from that this NGO has provided the local libraries where the librarians were drawn from with additional books on a variety of contents so that the libraries have diverse collections to share with their readers. As an eye-witness, we found that the lack of resources was profound and it is not possible to have a good library program without many books to read. So, H2 Empower requested the assistance of many NGOs and individuals and got some books to give to these needy libraries.

Additionally H2 Empower is also doing its best to provide the best for needy schools and communities with its WASH activities. I have heard from the beneficiaries that this NGO was the first of its kind to approach the most marginalized communities and to meet their needs.

I have worked with h2empower as a consultant and as a trainer.The training programmes have empowered school,prison,college and university librarians from the Hadiya zone,Southern Nations and Nationalities Regional State in Ethiopia.In short,I can say that this organisation is voice of the voiceless.

H2empower is truly non-profit seeker organization which is dedicated to emtpower primary school teachers, to empower women,and to work extensively to expand reading habits with in the community.To advance the quality of education,h2 empower has been equiping liberaries in varities of reading materials. The organisation also built liberaries and equiped with computers and reading materials.The community ,where h2 empower works ,are being beneffited a lot from the organization.
Best regards,

Helen Boxwill, through her dedication and leadership, has done so much to make H2 Empower Inc a success. From building and stocking libraries, to training teachers, to empowering women and young girls, to helping provide clean running water and much more, H2 Empower has shown what can be done through the power of education and working with others.

My wife and I have traveled through several countries in Africa. We visited Ethiopia in 2017, and during our time there, came across H2Empower's work in the SNNPR. Speaking to teachers, they could say nothing but enormous and sincere praise on this organization's work. That's not something you see often, especially with non-local groups. I believe H2Empower is doing wonderful things and I hope they continue to do so in the future.

Schools, teachers, libraries, they fundamentally decide how successful a community can be.

Best,
James Mikaelson

My name is Feteh. I am an Ethiopian gender adviser in CARE Ethiopia. I have worked with Helen Boxwill and H2 Empower as a volunteer and a gender trainer.

I am always amazed at how much H2 Empower has helped children, girls and community in southern part of Ethiopia. I have seen what impacts the gender training brought in the schools that had their teachers trained and its effect on the girls.

I am also a first hand witness to the joy and benefit of the library H2 Empower established in this community. I remember my childhood and how I valued books in my elementary years. We had all kinds of books, most not children books. so, when I came across a picture book or children's book, that was a "hallelujah!". What H2 Empower gave the kids in Hosanna is a library full of children's books and more educational materials. I have seen, my once in a while childhood, smile shining on so many kids, in all the days I visited and that lit my heart with joy!

What touched me the most is the opportunity it has given girls in very rural areas of my country. It helped them go to school and have meaningful experiences, have water in their schools and around their communities, have the platform to practice speaking and confidence, have clubs that made them see beyond their small world and create young female leaders.

As a woman who is passionate about education and gender, I had seen these girls' future being only in their towns, getting married and living the same tough lives their mothers lived. H2 Empower is changing that for them. It is showing them they can get where they want. They can reach all the highs they jump for and that it is possible for girls to be successful professionals if they worked hard and they do.

I am proud to say H2 Empower is impacting many lives in all the best ways and I am happy to volunteer my time for all the things I could support H2 Empower with.

Helen Boxwill has created and worked tirelessly for this organization which provides the children of Ethiopia with the most basic needs and empowers them through education. I am happy to be able to support such a worthwhile cause.

My cousin, Helen Boxwill, has always been a person who dedicates herself to helping others. She created h2 Empower Inc to provide life essential opportunities for youth and young woman in Ethiopia and Burundi. Peoples lives have been enriched and transformed through the education and training of teachers in reading, special education and the building of a library. Also, life sustaining water is now provided for communities deprived of this very basic need.
H2 Empower is an organization based on love and selflessness. Helen, has truly empowered, uplifted, and shined her powerful light on the good people of Ethiopia!

H2empower is an amazing organization. The work that Helen does in Hosanna and beyond is transformative. They helped to create the first public library in the Hosanna region and are dedicated to improving the schools and increasing access to clean water. All of the work is focused on bettering the youth of Ethiopia through education, water, schools and female empowerment.

h2 empower as non profit organisation has been dedicating on the empowerment of students and teachers.
It is also working on establishment of liberaries and equiping with the necessary materials .HaileBubamo primary school liberary at Hossana,Ethiopia ,can be me mentioned as an example.
h2 empower has also extended its work at the nearby wachemo university,Hossana ,Ethiopia.A few days training on "how to teach English in EFL class" was a facinating time.The materials we got from h2 empower to establish ELIP center , is a step to empower our students and staff members in a more professional way.

I am very appreciate the positive work of h2 empower ,the valuable helping and eradicating poverty in the Ethiopian poor community like building community library and ICT center through the effort of the CEO of h2 empower Helen Boxwil ,I have no word how to appreciate her . I know her for the past year working as ICT expert for H2 empower in hosana. It has been my honor be a part of the incredible work being done by H2empower.

I have had the joy of knowing and working with Helen for 5 years. She is amazing in her drive and determination to make the world a better place, especially Ethiopia. She is always on the lookout for ways to raise money for the many projects she completes. She is persistent in getting the right people, in the country and cities where she works, to help support her projects.
The library she built in Ethiopia is full of books, computers (the city is supplying the internet), and has a room for primary teachers to conduct read alouds and other lessons. I visited the library early on a Saturday morning and there were about 50 children (from primary though college-aged students) reading, studying, and enjoying the library.She has reopened a well to provide much needed water, helped a hotel owner learn how to prepare favorites (i.e. pizza) in the hotel's kitchen. There are so many other projects that are to be completed. It is obvious that the money raised goes directly to her projects. She has hosted trips throughout Ethiopia using the proceeds for projects and hosted events in the US to raise money.
Helen is a teacher and uses what she learned in her own classroom to help the children, parents, and teachers acquire the skills and strategies to improve students' abilities to read and write.

When in the US, she is also involved in many projects helping children overcome the barriers and challenges to feel safe and to learn. They know with Helen that they have someone who cares and is interested in their lives. She is a role model in what it means to be a citizen of earth and how to look out for each other. It is an honor to know her and to work with her.

What started out as a grassroots collection of an incredible amount of boxes with books (90,000 according to the official record!), after 13 years, H2Empower has turned into an incredibly impressive, ever-growing, ever responding movement to support Ethiopia and Burundi with libraries, buildings, education, training, resources, and inspiration—all completely in line with the United Nation’s 17 Goals for Sustainable Development to Transform the World. Its committed, passionate, creative, and undaunted founder and leader Helen Boxwill exquisitely partners with the local community leaders to help them achieve and celebrates with them when they do. I have known Helen Boxwill since she was a principal in Huntington schools where she was completely devoted to the children. Now she has directed that loving energy to the world. I could not be prouder or more impressed with what she has achieved and continues to. She is a personal inspiration to me as everything that is right with the world.

It is with some astonishment that I have watched the development of H2 Empower. When Helen Boxwill first went off to Ethiopia to teach future teachers of English in 2003, she asked us to collect and mail her some bags of books because books were a rare commodity in that country, and teachers needed them. When she returned to the USA after a year, she sent many more bags of books. Eventually her enthusiasm and leadership led to the collection of so many books that a huge shipping container was filled with the help of many volunteers, and the books were shipped to Hosanna, Ethiopia, the town in which she had been working.

Along the way, the need became obvious for a library building to house most of the books and make them available to the whole community. Rather than quail at the prospect, Helen energized donors here in the States and parents of students in Hosanna. The average income in Ethiopia is $2 a day; the parents alone raised $4,000, a remarkable achievement. The library was built, and the community has been involved from the beginning. The town now pays the salary of the librarian.

Next Helen met a Unitarian Universalist minister from Burundi who was seeking help for the people in his very poor country. H2 Empower eventually raised enough money to get 30 market women started with mini-grants that they would pay back, so other women could establish small businesses also. Next, with her leadership, we successfully sought sponsors for four year scholarships for 20 students in Burundi who would otherwise not have been able to attend college.

Most recently, H2 Empower has sponsored workshops for teachers, and this summer ran the first ever training for librarians in all of Ethiopia. Helen deserves enormous credit for the achievements of H2. She has the very rare ability to dream big and then work hard enough to see those dreams come true.

Helen Boxwill had a dream and I am glad that in a small way I was able to help. She works tirelessly to bring education, a library, water and hope to many less fortunate. It is that hope that warms one's heart. H2empower, as an organization, has delivered for many years through Ms. Boxwill's desire to make change. That change is what brings Ethiopia forward and provides the children and adults an opportunity to make progress. What could be better than to see the rooms at the library full and the smiles on so may faces.

I was introduced to h2empower about 8 months ago when I was saw a wonderful video showing the great work that is being done by this organization. I immediately wanted to participate and help out the hard working and dedicated people involved in this terrific nonprofit organization. The presentation I attended gave just a glimpse of the great work they are doing, and the impact that it is having in the community. How wonderful to know there are such dedicated working to contribute to the thousands of people who benefit from the community library, teacher training, education, and so much more. I am really proud to be able to help with the great work that h2empower is doing, and I look forward to seeing the plans and ideas for future projects come to be in the near future. The dedication, hard work, commitment, and heart that is given to this organization is incredible!

Ethiopia is not a land of plenty. In fact, if you looked at the statistics there is drought and as a consequence, food shortages. Additionally lack of sanitation brings high levels of major infectious diseases, the literacy rate ranks among the 10 lowest in the world with only 49% for males and 25% for females. Our founder, Helen Boxwill, a former teacher and administrator, saw a need to step in and work to better the lives in Ethiopia and Burundi .

After learning about Helen’s work, building a community library providing thousands of books, bringing water to communities, building classrooms, supporting girls education and setting up micro-loans and scholarships in Ethiopia and Burundi I was touched deeply by her dedication.

I along with my husband, visited Ethiopia on a trip Helen arranged. It was in 2015 we went to offer our service, see firsthand what Helen had accomplished and to see the vision of H2Empower in person. While in Ethiopia I saw how rich the people were, in sincerity, interest to learn and make a better life for themselves and their children. I saw how revered and celebrated Helen has become, how without pause she can tackle any project, solve problems and get the job done! Her dedication is unparalleled and has become her life’s work. I have called her the Mother Theresa of Ethiopia!

In 2016 I was privileged to be asked to serve as a board member of H2Empower. As an educator myself, I know the profound benefits education can make providing opportunities for economic growth, enhance conditions of health and well-being while improving the general quality of lives! I am proud to say that this is a small non-profit where we serve in an unpaid capacity, operating expenses are minimal and the donations are therefore put to good use fulfilling the goals directly back to the mission in Ethiopia and Burundi!
Sue Baum

I have known Helen Boxwill since we attended high school together. I am certain Helen's Non-Profit is successful because of Helen's true dedication to the betterment of humankind. The accomplishments made by Helen and her fellow volunteers speaks to their sincere love of wanting to see the lives of people improved through education, the building of a library with thousands of books, and the introduction of water to the community. It fills my heart to see the photos of the joy displayed on the faces of the community members and the pride they take in their schools and library. I am so grateful to such kind and compassionate people like Helen and her staff of teachers and administrators. Thank you to one and all. You are making our world a better one.

It has been amazing to witness the impact of h2 Empower's work. The drive to meet the needs of the community went from building a library to delivering books, health care through putting in water, building classrooms to lower class size, helping girls stay in school and many other works. These activities have helped thousands of people. I have been happy to be a part of this important effort to bring sustainable development to these eager people.
Honored h2 Empower Inc.
Board Member
Andre Boxwill

After our traveling to Ethiopia two years ago through H2Empower, my wife and I experienced the most enlightening trip we've had in our 50 years of traveling around the world. We left on the journey packed with all of our preconceived notions of what we would see, most of them were quickly dispelled.

Sure there was poverty and conditions we as westerners were not accustomed. Despite some of their obvious struggles, we discovered the most beautiful, friendly, sharing, kind, happy, and grateful people we had ever met.

We quickly understood why Helen, director of h2Empower, carries such a passion for her work in Ethiopia. It took us no time to share that passion. Helen has dedicated the last dozen years in advancing the educational needs within Ethiopia, offering her background as educator and administrator when she founded h2Empower. Helen was able to offer so many possibilities to enhance the educational practices in Ethiopia and become a change-maker. Much of her work has and continues to be in Hosanna, a rural town a few hours drive outside of Addis Ababa.

What an experience to see first-hand the level of adulation and gratitude the people of this rural community bestowed upon Helen. Traveling for hours along dusty, rutty roads we arrived in our van to the school in Hosanna where we were quickly met by hundreds of children dancing and chanting a greeting, holding welcoming signs as they circled around our van in celebration of Helen’s arrival. It was quite obvious through this display that she was a much revered and welcomed guest.

It was here in Hosanna we had the opportunity to see some of the fruits of Helen’s labor of love. Through her efforts, Helen was able to build a new library next to an elementary school in Hosanna, and stock it with thousands of donated books. Helen has also worked on bettering teacher training, improving literacy skills, raising women’s awareness in health issues, and working within the communities in solving some of their concerns such as getting access to potable drinking water, learning about permaculture gardening to aid in feeding their families. Through fund raising efforts, a half mile pipeline with spigots strategically placed along the connection, enabled fresh water to reach 40 families, a school and a library was built all of these contributions changing and enhancing the lives of so many!

What we witnessed in the people of Ethiopia was the positive attitude, the willingness to work hard and change the lives for their children and while retaining their beautiful culture and traditions. What we were lucky enough to participate in, and see for ourselves, will never be forgotten. We concluded that we were all looking to make a brighter future for our children and future generations. Thank you h2Empower for doing something about that!

Iv'e known Helen Boxwill director of H2empower for close to ten years and had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Ethiopia with her in 2015. Her never-ending love and enthusiasm for the people of Hosanna was obvious as we visited several schools and participated in teacher workshops. She is doing what many set out to do but may never achieve. By incorporating the assistance of the local people with outside help she has been able to effect true change..the building of a public library and bringing clean water to schools. H2empower also provides scholarships to college students in Burundi as well as micro loans to women's businesses. The organization works with continuous energy to empower the people of Hosanna, Ethiopia and burundi.

I have known this nonprofit from the very beginning. I never cease to be amazed by how much has been done . From a what started as a great idea to being able to see people using the library and enjoying the experience is just beyond words. This group works tirelessly and continues to find new and wonderful ways to improve on what has been done!

H2Empower statement from Randa Jacobs

In March 2013 I traveled to Ethiopia to visit my friend and colleague, Helen Boxwill.

I had heard stories of her volunteer activities in Ethiopia for nearly a dozen years. Finally, I witnessed the results following years of dedication, perseverance, and commitment to the “Library Project”.

With great attention to detail, and timing, Helen organized our tour. It was one of the most comprehensive experiences I have ever had. After a brief visit, including extraordinary historical, anthropological, biological, and botanical areas, cultural, educational, religious shrines, even simple and ordinary everyday life, I returned home, my curiousity very satiated.

I enjoyed wandering around Addis Ababa, taking in Lalibela, learning about stelae, eating wonderful foods, and being entertained by local dancers, and musicians.

The most memorable event of all:

After a very long drive to Hosana, Helen brought us to the site of her project, the brand-new library. It was an impressive sight! I was reminded of conversations we had had over the years. She never let anything stop her quest to make literacy available to all. She and her organization made it REAL!

Helen planned a TEACHER TRAINING day. While we were in Hosana we participated by presenting a workshop to the teachers in the area. We shared BEST PRACTICES, strategies and ideas to help make learning fun, and effective.

The workshop was well attended; and in spite of language, and cultural differences, the participants received us with great enthusiasm. The day was very successful!

I am proud to know Helen, and to have had the opportunity to participate in her ‘dream come true’. It was thrilling, and I plan to continue to support her project

I first met Helen Boxwill, from H2 Empower in 2010 while I was in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia working to reburbish an all-boys orphanage. We immediately connected and are now life long friends and 'Ethiopian travel buddies'. We left Addis and headed to Hosanna to work on the Library Project where we met with Community Leaders, Politicians, Building Planners and Parents to discuss the concept and vision of the Community Library (which was foreign to them). On that trip I was able to be a part of a Primary School 'teacher-training'. Hosanna, from its landscape, to its people, to their passion for their community and history is amazing and beautiful! I have been back several times to see the libraries ground breaking, early and final phase of construction, unloading of the books (from the shipping container) and the first movie night (which was a movie from the region in Ge'ez). Seeing the students/children using the library is definately a "full-circle moment" and was very emotional.
I believe H2 Empower Inc. sees a need and then works with the Community, Leaders and other Professionals in the area to help build dreams come true! H2 Empower Inc. does not force change or try to 'Americanize' the change but works with the Community, and Leaders to help empower the future of Hosanna (through education and reading). I saw this first hand with the Library Project, the Teacher-Trainer Programs, Reading Programs and in pushing for education of all children. All promoting the future!

If you visit Hosanna, the capital city of the Hadiya Zone in southern Ethiopia, you won't have to walk too far off the main thoroughfare, running down the center of town, before you come to big green gates that open to a large government school and the newly constructed community library.

This spacious sturdy building and the thousands of books it houses is now the pride of a community that sincerely wants their children to have the benefit of books in their lives. Their desire became the driving passion of Helen Boxwill who created h2Empower after living in Hosanna and teaching at the Teachers' College there.

h2Empower Inc. continues to work with a wide range of stakeholders to enrich learning, teaching and community life in Burundi and Ethiopia. As a board member who has had the privilege of sharing books with the children who gather in the library and working with their teachers in Hosanna classrooms, I am proud to be a part of this small but dynamic organization and grateful for the opportunity it gives me to give back.

Rhoda Koenig

I want to take a moment to say how much i appreciated the great effort made by h2 Empower on READING. This is really needy area. It is made in response to the shocking result of EGRA and to promote the CULTURE OF READING in our Community. Her effort especially got me very energized about the road ahead. h2 Empower
made it happen by
• work with local storytellers, cultural experts to run events for the community at the library in local languages
• Use the library to increase English speaking and listening for the whole town
• Getting secondary school students to know how to use the library not just for studying for tests but to find new ideas and expand their horizons
• Training teachers how to use the library for their classes. Co -teaching with them in the the library until they are comfortable to do it themselves
• Using the picture books to teach beginning reading for early primary schools
This is all about my comment for h2 Empower

H2 Empower supports literacy in Ethiopia through the efforts of Director, Helen Boxwill, who completed the building of a library in Hosanna, Ethiopia, complete with books to meet readers of all ages.

During this last year in Ethiopia as a Volunteer, I joined Helen to assist in organizing and cataloguing books in the first public library in the region for children of all ages, along with adults. H2 has built an impressive and enriching environment which will be available for generations to come.

S. Haile

H2Empower is doing amazing work to bring education and sustainable development to rural areas of Ethiopia. I have seen their work firsthand and Executive Director Helen Boxwill builds partnerships with local residents to make sure their needs and wishes are the guiding forces in the projects implemented. I spent time working with Helen in Hosanna and it was transformational. H2Empower has really made a difference in the lives of the school children and families in Hosanna!
Mary Beth Guyther

I have known Helen Boxwill, the president of h2Empower for many years and I am very impressed by what she has accomplished in Hosanna, Ethiopia. She is bringing literacy and sustainability to several communities and making a profound impact on the lives of the people in that area. Most importantly, she understands the cultural context in which she works.

I am honored to know H2 Empower right from the beginning for one of its impact full project was in my country, Ethiopia. I don't think I can have enough words in English to express what I feel about H2 Empower as English is not my language here in Ethiopia. H2 Empower's work down at grassroots level and its community library at Hossiana, one of the remote areas in Ethiopia, is amazing that no one had attempted to do before even if there are so many non profit organizations around here. . H2Empwer is not just for publicity at all, rather its work is to make real, meaningful and sustainable impact in poor community through education. Its work need to expand beyond Hossiana to other villages of of my country and sincerely I appreciate its work and I will continue to support its work.

Mamo Mengesha,
Country Representative, IFESH/Ethiopia, Ethiopia.