Mekedonia Homes

A Sanctuary of the Poor, the Sick, and the Weak

Meet the Founders of the Mekedonia Youth Organization

Evanie Efrem & Liana Efrem

Who we Are

The Mekedonia Youth Organization (MYO) is a branch of Mekedonia Home, an Ethiopian non-profit humanitarian organization founded in 2011. The MYO aims to mobilize young people, both in the United States and globally, to support Mekedonia's mission of assisting the homeless, elderly, and disabled in Ethiopia.

Our Mission

The mission of the Mekedonia Youth Organization is to empower young people to support and uplift the homeless, elderly, and disabled in Ethiopia through collective action and community involvement.

Our Program

The Mekedonia Youth Organization offers a diverse range of programs, including leadership development, mentorship initiatives, volunteer opportunities, community outreach, and more.

Ready to take the next step? Join us in making a difference by becoming a member today. Together, we have the power to positively impact the lives of those in need in Ethiopia and contribute to a cause greater than ourselves.

Click to view Leadership opportunities

"Empower the Next Generation"
By becoming a mentor, you have the unique opportunity to guide young minds and help them realize their potential.

Support Our Cause

Regardless of your age, education, or background, you can make a significant impact in the lives of elderly individuals and those with mental disabilities. Your support can lead to meaningful change—every contribution makes a difference! Together, we can uplift our community and bring hope to those who need it most.

Meet Our Leadership Team

2024-2025

Director of Media and Marketing Massachusetts

I am a 10th-grade student, where I proudly serve as the president of the class of 2027. In addition to my leadership role, I actively participate in seven clubs, which allows me to build skills and contribute to my school community. Outside of school, I have a passion for cooking and enjoy experimenting with new recipes. I also co-founded a tutoring program with my friend to help students within the Habesha community succeed academically. Through this initiative and over 100 hours of community services, I strive to make a positive impact and stay involved in the community.

Director of Media and Marketing - Missouri

Hello! I am Hezkiel Dubale, a sophomore in the STL area. I am currently a lead on community service within MAC Scholars, a multicultural committee. I also participate in student council, HOSA (a community for upcoming medical students), and more.  I have coached basketball to kids as a leader, and I have led social media services for communities before.  I am skilled as a leader, I have proficient grades (4.56 GPA), and something I like to do in my free time is read or watch videos. I have an adorable 6-year-old cat.

Director of Media and Marketing - Maryland

As a high school sophomore on my High School’s debate and mock trial teams, I have experience in advocating for something, whether that is a position in an academic debate, or advocating for a cause like fighting homelessness, and managing a media campaign that compels people to get involved. Outside of these extracurriculars, I am currently starting a non-profit organization with friends to address school lunch debt for underprivileged families, and hope to utilize a social media campaign to attract donors, and reach out to clients and families interested in financial aid, plans and skills I hope to bring to Mekedonia. One thing about me, is that I care deeply about addressing issues in my home country in Ethiopia and take deep pride in my heritage, and this is motivation for me to help make my country a better place.

Director of Media and Marketing - Sacramento

My name is Hilena Daniel, and I am currently a 12th-grade student. I am part of the CODE Pathway as well as the girls’ computing club. I’ve been involved with the Design and Technology Academy (DATA), which teaches various computer and engineering skills. My focus skills are primarily on civic engagement and coding with programming languages like HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and Python. One of my personal hobbies is playing volleyball, especially beach volleyball, which was my main sport for seven years.

Director of Media and Marketing Massachusetts

Hi! My name is Betel Daniel and I am a 16-year-old Junior in high school who loves giving back to my community. As a member of the National Honor Society and co-founder of an academic tutoring program for Habesha youth across the United States, I am dedicated to both academic excellence and community service. I am someone who listens closely, works hard, and values the little things that make big differences. I genuinely care about making a positive difference in the lives of those around me, and love using my time and energy to help others grow. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones and admire art and nature for the inspiration they bring! 

Director of Community Outreach - Missouri

Hi! I’m Ezana, and I’m in the 10th grade. I take all AP and Honors classes and have maintained the honor roll for quite a while now! I previously played basketball in my off time, but now I like writing and calling my friends. I’m on a job search, which is tough when you’re 15 years old! I specialize in community outreach because of my connections and people skills.

Director of Community Outreach - Sacramento

My name is Helina Nebiyu, and I’m currently a junior. At my school, I take on leadership roles in clubs where I can make a positive impact on my peers and inspire change in my community. In my free time, I enjoy making art, listening to music, and being with my friends. I’m very excited to be the Director of Community Outreach in Sacramento for MYO!

Director of Community Outreach - Virginia

My name is Nathan Muzeyen, and I’m a freshman in high school. I’m passionate about playing soccer, playing video games, going to church, and much more. I would consider my skills to be pc building and piloting. I’m the school representative of my local library’s teen advisory board (TAB), I’m a Cadet In the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), a member of the Ethio-Eritrean Association (EEA), a member of a rather similar association named Wegene youth club and a member of my school’s homeless outreach.
I’m looking forward to helping the people in need and working with all of our new members.

Director of Community Outreach - Sacramento

My name is Soliana Yohannes, and I am in 10th grade. When I was younger, I used to feed homeless people in Ethiopia. I also tutor kids at my church. I'm really excited to serve as the director of community outreach in Sacramento. In my free time, I enjoy drawing and playing soccer for fun. I like to hang out with my friends and go to church.

Director of Community Outreach - Sacramento

My name is Nemhiya Girma, and I am currently a sophomore in high school. I have been a deacon at Mekane Sebhat Kidist Selassie Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church for six years, and I've been teaching zema (melodies) to new deacons for two years. Also, I am a part of the church’s choir and have recently begun teaching the word of God.

I'm looking forward to helping those in need and supporting those in Ethiopia.

Director of Community Outreach - New Jersey

Hi, my name is Raey Meaza, and I am the Director of Community Outreach in New Jersey. Born in Ethiopia, I immigrated to America at a very young age, and now live in NJ as a high school freshman. I’m passionate about creativity, growth, and making an impact. Known for my curiosity and unique perspective, I enjoy inspiring others through innovative projects and collaborations. You may not know, however, that I also love reading, writing, and poetry, and one day aspire to be an English teacher. I’m very excited to be a part of the Mekedonia Youth Organization and I hope to make an impact.

Director of Community Outreach - Kansas

I am currently a sophomore serving as a board executive for the Diversity Club and co-founder of the STEM Research Club. In addition to these roles, I am involved in other clubs such as Followers of Christ (FCS), Pre-Medical Seekers Club, and Sources of Strength. Outside of school, I have taken leadership roles in my church and taekwondo studio as a Sunday School, Ge’ez Prayer Practice, and Taekwondo Instructor. Taekwondo has taught me to hold virtues such as humility, compassion, optimism, honesty, and more. As an official Taekwondo Instructor, I have heightened my communication skills and built my confidence. This allowed me to build my knowledge and faith in Christ, which I share with other youths as I continue to grow.

Director of Community Outreach - Sacramento

My name is Ezana Daniel, and I am the Director of Community Outreach in Sacramento. I am currently a sophomore in high school and have been serving as a deacon at Mekane Sebhat Kidist Sellasie Orthodox Tewahedo Church for about six years. I am eager to be part of the Mekedonia Youth Organization to help those in need.

Director of Fundraising - Sacramento

My name is Soliana Mamo, and I am a sophomore. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, participating in soccer and running, and traveling. Additionally, I have a strong commitment to serving my community, with a particular focus on initiatives that support the homeless population.

Director of Fundraising - Sacramento

Hi, my name is Sade Yimer and I am the director of fundraising for Mekedonia Youth Organization and I am a freshman. In my free time I enjoy running, studying, and spending time with my friends at school and at Church! I am so excited to perform my leadership position for Mekedonia and to be apart of this journey!

Assistant Director of Fundraising - Sacramento

My name is Meklit Aidomias, and I’m the Assistant Director of Fundraising for the Mekedonia Youth Organization! I'm an eighth grader. In addition to my leadership role at MYO, a past leadership role I was previously and am currently still enrolled in is an office aid and peer tutor at my school. Some skills I have are budgeting, money managing, and journaling, which I use to stay focused on my goals and keep organized. I also enjoy sports, like volleyball. I am passionate about making a difference in raising funds to support people in Ethiopia who need them.

Director of Community Outreach - North Carolina

My name is Samuel Getachew, and I am in eighth grade. I have experience volunteering for community service and have skills in drawing and writing. In my free time, I enjoy coding on Scratch, reading, and drawing.

Assistant Director of Community Outreach - North Carolina

My name is Arron Getachew, and I am currently in 7th grade. I have dedicated several hours to volunteer work, which has helped me develop my leadership skills. I enjoy sports and excel in communication, and in my free time, I love playing soccer and exploring technology.

Assistant Director of Community Outreach - North Carolina

My name is Musse Getachew, and I am a 7th grader with several hours of volunteering experience in various activities. I have skills in determination and communication. In my free time, I enjoy playing sports and exploring technology.

Director of Fundraising - Kansas

My name is Abby Denekew, and I am a freshman in high school. I am involved in BSU (Black Student Union), Pre-medical Seekers, Relay for Life (American Cancer Fundraising), and FCS (Follows of Christ). Outside of school, I love to dance and run. I also worked at a taekwondo studio, where I mentored and taught kids with different learning styles, backgrounds, and emotions. This experience has taught me so many life skills, such as kindness, decision-making, self-awareness, and learning how to work with different people. In school, I am involved in track and field and dance. Additionally, I am a Sunday School teacher for kids from Pre-K through 2nd grade at Kidane Mehret Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Outside of everything I do in school and beyond, I love going to church every week.

Director of Community Outreach - Kansas

Hello! My name is Liya Daniel, and I am the Director of Community Outreach in Kansas. I am a sophomore in high school and serve on my school’s Black Student Union and Student Council. One of my favorite hobbies is reading, and I do it in my free time. 

Director of Fundraising - Kansas

Hi, my name is Eliada Siraj, and I am the Director of Fundraising in Kansas. I am currently a freshman in high school taking all AP and Honors classes and leading more than 7 clubs at my school, including HOSA and Medical Club. I have over a year of tutoring experience and am involved in making a difference through fundraising for cancer research, teaching at my church’s Sunday School, volunteering, and more. My leadership skills have helped me to become closer to God and taught me to become more compassionate and driven. In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball for my school and spending time with friends and family. I am excited about this position and the opportunity to create a positive impact in my community!

Contact us

Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions.