About us

Steps Aid Ethiopia was established in January 2023 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with the noble mission of supporting female education and disaster relief efforts. The organization's inception stemmed from the vision and dedication of Mr. Beide Melaku, a seasoned diplomat who served his country for 33 years in various key roles at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Beide Melaku, coming from the remote towns of Woldia and Dessie, personally experienced the challenges of accessing higher education due to socio-economic constraints. Despite these obstacles, he pursued his academic endeavors and became an alumnus of Addis Ababa University. Throughout his life, Mr. Beide Melaku remained committed to promoting education as a catalyst for societal transformation.

Following Mr. Beide Melaku's passing, his wife and two daughters, deeply inspired by his legacy, decided to establish Steps Aid Ethiopia in his memory. They were driven by a shared vision to continue his dedication to supporting education and empowering marginalized communities.

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Our Story

Mr. Beide Melaku

1955-2021

How do we work?

Vision

Mission

Our vision is to create a future where every girl in Ethiopia has equal access to education, irrespective of socio-economic background or geographic location. We envision a society where educated women emerge as empowered agents of change, leading the way towards progress and prosperity in their communities and beyond.

As a board-led NGO, we operate under the leadership of an Executive Director and administrative staff, including an Administration Manager, Communication Manager (PR and Social Media), Program Manager, and Accountant. Our team is dedicated to delivering impactful programs and services to our beneficiaries, operating primarily in Addis Ababa.

Through collaboration, innovation, and strategic planning, we aim to address the diverse challenges faced by Ethiopian female students and disaster-affected communities.

Our mission is to address the socio-economic challenges faced by students, particularly girls, in communities affected by conflict or natural disasters. We strive to provide comprehensive support, including financial assistance, mentorship, and advocacy, to ensure every girl has the opportunity to pursue higher education and realize her full potential. Additionally, we strive to provide the necessary tools for education and involving local communities as beneficiaries, thus ensuring that no one is left behind.

To make a lasting impact, we know that we must actively engage and include the communities we are seeking to help. We are continually learning and growing in how we show up as an authentic, ethical partner.

Values

Message From the Executive Director

Dear supporters,

As the Executive Director of Steps Aid Ethiopia, I am proud to highlight our unwavering commitment to empowering girls from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue their higher education aspirations. We believe that every young girl deserves the opportunity to dream big and access the resources necessary to achieve those dreams. Through scholarships, mentorship programs, and various support initiatives, we provide a nurturing environment where these ambitious young women can flourish academically and personally. Our work goes beyond just education; we strive to inspire confidence and resilience, ensuring that our girls are equipped not only with knowledge, but also with the skills to navigate challenges. Together, we are making a significant impact, one girl at a time, and paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future.

Thank you for your continued support.

Elene Tegegne

Executive Director,

Steps Aid Ethiopia