Studio Samuel Foundation

Studio Samuel empowers and inspires young women in Ethiopia by equipping them with skills and confidence to overcome obstacles and create the lives of their own choosing. This organization has already made a positive impact for thousands of determined young women, and it's a true joy to hear about their many successes in achieving--and even surpassing--their highest goals. Founder Tamara Horton and Studio Samuel's devoted onsite staff have created several outstanding programs that focus on education, personal growth, healthcare, skill-building, and entrepreneurship, all of which uplift each individual as well as the entire community.

I've worked with several Non-Profit Organizations around the world and Studio Samuel stands out for the tremendous results they've achieved in girls' education in Ethiopia. Very well done...

I am truly inspired by the incredible work of Studio Samuel. Tamara and her team are making a profound impact supporting and uplifting the young women of Ethiopia. From educational programs to vocational training and mentorship opportunities, fostering long-term development and self-sufficiency. They’re dedicated to providing the tools and resources that young women need to succeed. From the simplest thing has feminine care that we take for granted. Young girls have to miss school when they’re on their cycle because they don’t have access to the necessary feminine products. And that’s just one of the many challenges, education is key! This charity is truly commendable! If you’re looking to support a cause that is making a real difference, I wholeheartedly recommend this remarkable organization.

Epsilon Xi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., has had a great partnership for the last few years with Studio Samuel Foundation. The partnership has allowed us to meet our objectives around our goals for International women of color. They they have an amazing staff and are doing great things for young women, and we are so grateful to have the opportunity to support them and build relationship with a trusted partner.

Studio Samuel is a positive and proactive organization, as evidenced by the work they do on behalf of young girls and the innovative initiatives they regularly employ. Over the last decade, their growth attests to their contributions to the local community.

I joined SSF more than 2 years ago as a board member. I traveled to Ethiopia and was able to visit our center and meet many of our girls. It was such a wonderful experience and many of my interactions brought me to tears. These girls are so resilient and determined and have had to face an amazing amount of adversity, but they have been able to develop excellent coping skills, much to the credit of Studio Samuel Foundation. I am proud to be a part of this organization.

I've been watching Studio Samuel's incredible work from a distance for some time, since I first met its founder Tamara - who immediately convinced me of both the dire need for services like theirs, and of the care she and her colleagues put into providing them. I've since been lucky enough to lend a hand to some of their efforts and keep in close contact with Tamara, and it's only become more clear just how passionate she is about doing great work for the youth of Addis in as responsible a way as possible. Studio Samuel is a terrific organization that wants nothing more than for the girls in its community to thrive, and it does an exemplary job at giving them what they need to do so.

A sacred truth of life is helping others and helping strangers. Studio Samuel embodies this imperative --it is a wonderful organization that works to bring strength, confidence, and agency to young girls and women in Ethiopia, helping them to get to school and stay in school. This is an investment with high returns for humanity. Recent research has found that one extra year of primary schooling boosts a woman’s earning potential by 10 – 20%, and one extra year of secondary schooling boosts her earning potential by 25%. These are girls with great grit and spirit, and helping them fulfill their potential will invariably bring growth and progress to their whole community.
I'm thrilled to be involved with this organization and to be able to help it help others. let's go SSF!

Studio Samuel offers girls a path of safe, sustainable options for their future and does so with grace and compassion. This organization has a wonderful staff who take deep pride in their work.

I was introduced to Studio Samuel through my daughters involvement as an intern. As I observed her as she grew more and more involved in supporting the work that Studio Samuel was doing for the girls in Addis- giving them the life skills of self confidence, decision making, pride in themselves and in their potential to change the world. Yes, to change the world. We may know this as the butterfly effect-a small, positive change in one part of the world can translate into a societal change on the other side. When I saw the power of teaching a girl to fish, makes them reliant on their own abilities. I want this same outcome for my daughter. Her connection to the girls at Studio Samuel has created in her self to find her own hidden potential so she can join them in changing the world!

Studio Samuel is a charity making a difference - particularly for those girls desperately needing guidance and access to education. With so many charities maximizing administration costs, I vetted this organization and found that Studio Samuel did not follow that model, and at that point, I was happy to contribute to this outstanding charity. I will continue to do so. The work of this charity stands out because if benefits girl's well-being.

SSF staff produce transformational results for the girls and young women who participate in our programs. During the height of the pandemic the staff pivoted from in person programs to video and conf calls. The girls and young women participated without fail. As we emerged slowly back to in person in late 2021 we were elated and impressed at both the resiliency and strength of the girls and young women along with the flexibility of the staff to pivot BECAUSE every single girl/young woman was promoted to the next grade level AND not one girl or young woman was lost to child marriage, child labor or trafficking. Transformational! Life Changing! Truly Impressive!

Studio Samuel is an exceptional organization run by fantastic people. The resources, kindness, compassion and love they provide to the young girls in Ethiopia go above and beyond. You can tell they all put their heart and soul into this. The virtual events they run for International Day of the Girl each year are so special and I wish were more widely known. I love how they involve all of the girls for this event, and really make them feel special and important. I would love to attend more events/fundraisers for this organization.

A magnificent foundation that empowers young women through education, empathy, skill building, and lifesaving and life affirming resources.

Studio Samuel is one of those nonprofits that is a givers dream. I was able to speak one on one with founder Tamara Horton and found her to be passionate about these girls and dedicated to doing everything she can to help them achieve a better life for themselves and the families. All profits go to help in their education and welfare and anyone who donates can be assured the money they donate, no matter how small, is truly appreciated and goes to the programs for the girls. The studiosamuel.org website is a wealth of information on the programs the girls are involved in. I am proud to support this nonprofit.

Bits of magic wind your way in a lifetime and I'm blessed that the Studio Samuel family is one of mine. From the founding to their flourishing stories, I continue to remain uplifted and hopeful for the world's future because of such girls' achievements. To risk and reap rewards at the distance between USA and Ethiopia, all the while breaking barriers and building the most incredible bridge keeps me volunteering. My shared travels in-country with this impeccable Foundation have reminded me of the purpose of the power in 'empowerment'. That anyone can change a life and how her path matters beyond the everyday belief of poverty's limitations. This charity takes Training For Tomorrow to a whole new level through a holistic educational scope from tech and wellness to karate and trade skills, even onward to university entry. With Studio Samuel's support, I think girls in need are given the chances they deserve.

Studio Samuel is a non-profit dedicated to lifting girls and women in Ethiopia from poverty by providing pathways for education, empowerment, and employment. Tamara, founder and executive director, started Studio Samuel started in 2015 with only 25 girls. Today SSF has served over 6,000 women and girls! She not only leads effectively, but also compassionately. The continuum of programming is changing the trajectory for the girls and women who have access to it and I am excited for the future, and additional lives SSF will be able to impact. The work being done makes a real difference and I'm incredibly grateful to be a part of such an enthusiastic, thoughtful, and strategic board dedicated to improving the livelihoods of girls and women in Ethiopia.

Studio Samuel is a non profit organization that focuses on giving countless opportunities to Ethiopian girls. This organization makes it possible for girls to attend school on a regular basis. Providing access to education increases self-confidence and knowledge. This organization also provides girls opportunities to attend summer camp. In addition, job training programs are offered so girls can work to help their families while staying in school. Monies raised also provides scholarship programs for higher level education. All girls receive backpacks, school supplies and new uniforms from generous donations to this incredible organization. Special events such as International Youth Day are celebrated and girls become empowered. It is with great pride that I support this incredible organization. Changing lives by providing opportunities that would not be possible otherwise is the highest honor one can be given.

I am so impressed with the level of dedication to girls’ education and empowerment that this organization displays. From the Director to the Board, to the incredible staff on the ground in Ethiopia, the mission is clear and focused - SSF ensures that girls who are served have the skills, confidence and opportunities to be self sufficient, which in turn supports their entire communities.

Their focus is on the girls, not anything else. Doing what empowers and educates the girls is what Studio Samuel is all about. I love that 100% of any donation goes toward their passion for helping at risk girls in Ethiopia learn to become independent, strong women by teaching them life skills to go out into the world with and give them hope for a brighter future they never had before.

Studio Samuel gives girls in Ethiopia opportunities to make their lives better through education and skills. I didn't realize that girls could stop going to school when they menstruate since unfortunately many of them don't have the proper menstrual kits. Studio Samuel works with the communities and provides much needed resources and support for these girls. I'm proud to support Studio Samuel.

I have volunteered with numerous NGOs in countries including Afghanistan, Uganda, and Guyana. Studio Samuel stands out for a number of reasons. Its Board of Directors is dedicated, talented, and innovative. Its founder, Tamara Horton, is a human dynamo who creates positivity, hope, and smiles out of despair. Assisting Studio Samuel in Ethiopia was a life-changing undertaking.