It began with a dream in 2014. Alemtshay Kahisay, working as a personal trainer for a bright, non-verbal autistic child, saw a world of potential where her community often saw only a curse. Her vision was simple yet revolutionary: to create a place in Ethiopia where autistic individuals could develop vocational skills, gain dignity, and prove their incredible capabilities.

Facing a complete lack of such services, she charted her own path. She enrolled at the LG-KOICA HOPE TVET College in 2016 to gain technical expertise. While studying, she became an advocate, forming a volunteer group and persuading the college to offer its first-ever autism awareness sessions. Her dedication helped forge the college’s formal partnership with special needs initiatives.

After graduating and becoming a Technical Trainer at the same college, her dream was closer, but it was a heartfelt encounter in 2021 that gave it an unshakable purpose.

That year, she met a remarkable young person. An 11-year-old with a brilliant mind, drowning in loneliness at school, who believed he was “stupid” and unloved. When he saw Alemtshay cry for him, he offered his friendship. In that moment, a promise was made.

What grew from that promise was more than a mission—it became a family. Alemtshay and ሰጦታዬ formed a bond as deep as mother and child. Together with his incredibly supportive parents, they nurtured his dazzling talent for technology. Their faith was rewarded when ሰጦታዬ passed the Global IT Challenge in the Philippines in 2023, transforming from a young person who said "I can't" into a confident trailblazer.

Their journey of discovery continued as they traveled to Korea together, exploring universities and technological frontiers to see firsthand where his brilliant mind could soar. This experience widened the horizon for both of them.

Today, the dream lives in a beautiful, self-fulfilling cycle.
ሰጦታዬ, now in the 11th grade, splits time between school and the very center they helped inspire. He is no longer just a student; he is a proud assistant and peer mentor at the Empower Abilities for Youth and Childrens Center. He works alongside Alemtshay, helping to plan and deliver ICT training, using his own journey to guide others. The one who once felt alone and incapable now spends afternoons radiating happiness and confidence, actively building the inclusive world they needed.

This success provided the ultimate proof needed to secure official support. In December 2024, the Federal TVTI granted a dedicated space, allowing Alemtshay to co-found the center with Rahel Hilu, a dedicated and very passionated Early Childhood Educator (Registered with College of Early Childhood Educators in Ontario) childhood educator, and the father of ሰጦታዬ, whose unwavering partnership has been invaluable.


The Living Legacy

Empower Abilities for Youth and Childrens is now a thriving reality. It is more than a center; it is a testament to a promise kept, a family forged, and a potential unleashed. It stands as proof that with belief, guidance, and love:

· Challenges become triumphs.
· Students become teachers.
· A single friendship can build a community.

The circle is complete. Alemtshay’s dream, sparked by one child years ago, is now being powered forward by another. In the confident smile and helping hands of ሰጦታዬ, her vision has found its most beautiful expression: a future where every individual is not only included but essential, building a world where everyone can say, “I can.”