Kassaun: Running to a Better Place

Empowering Youth

~ Kassaun, 16

Before I became involved with the projects of the Ethiopian National Project, I was very unhappy.

Before I became involved with the projects of the Ethiopian National Project, I was very unhappy. I was frequently in trouble at school and did not want to interact with other people. I could not hold conversations with people because I could find nothing to relate to with them. I was angry. I fought with my brothers at home and with other students at school.

When the Ethiopian National Project came to my town, Kiryat Yam, my school advisors presented me with two options: to go to the new programs being offered and to drastically change my demeanor or to be sent to higher officials to undergo reformative programs because they felt that I had become too much for them to handle. I was not eager to go to the ENP Youth Outreach Center but I did not realize how much of a disturbance I had caused and did not want to risk the unknown punishment.

Upon going to the ENP Youth Center my life began to change fairly rapidly. I unintentionally found myself talking with others more and in general I was becoming more happy. Over time I had runaway from my dormitory school program and when my advisors at the Center found out they convinced me to return. I went back and it was more pleasant. The teachers were happy to see how I had changed. I have also since been able to find work at a factory. I still go to the Youth Center when I have time and everyone is glad to see me. It is really humbling to see people smile when I arrive. Before I got involved with ENP’s programs, no one ever smiled at me when I entered a room.