My Nonprofit Reviews

Ten years ago, I went on an expedition that changed my life and still remains as impactful today as it was the day I returned. I had just graduated college and I wanted to experience life outside myself. I was introduced to the nonprofit Engage Now Africa and knew that this would be the perfect opportunity for me to be submersed into a new culture while providing aide and education.

While in Ethiopia, I had the opportunity to serve the community by establishing a school in a rural village. Each day a bus would drive a group of volunteers from ENA to a small village outside Debre Zeit. In the village I would paint, build desks, sand wood surfaces, implement a “bathroom”, teach instructional lessons, bring supplies, and my favorite thing, paint the fingernails of female villagers. It didn’t take long before I acknowledged all the blessings and luxuries I had in America. The poverty and lack of resources was truly heart wrenching at times. However, even in the most impacted and adverse areas, Ethiopians were still the happiest people with the greatest sense of humility.

As I reflect on my experience, I am so humbled by the insight it brought me in regards to poverty and to have been shown how to build up a community while also showing cultural humility.

I love Engage Now Africa and will always be grateful to you for allowing me to a part of your mission.