Network

Our Members

AfriYAN Ethiopia connects national and subnational youth leaders to advance SRHR, gender equality, mental health, peacebuilding, climate action, and meaningful youth participation across Ethiopia.

National Members

Bezawit Tesfaye

Bezawit Tesfaye

President – Addis Ababa

Bezawit Tesfaye is an LL.B graduate and early-career legal and policy professional with experience in human rights, justice sector initiatives, and youth engagement. She currently works as a Project Assistant at Justice for All-Prison Fellowship Ethiopia and serves as a President of the AfriYAN Ethiopia Chapter and Member of the EU-Ethiopia Youth Sounding Board and. Her work focuses on rule of law, gender equality, youth participation, and peacebuilding, with a strong interest in advancing inclusive and youth-centered justice systems.

Asma Mohammed

Asma Mohammed

Vice President – Harar

Asma Mohammed is a human rights advocate and legal professional with experience in gender rights, community engagement, and public health initiatives in Ethiopia. Her work focuses on women’s rights, harmful traditional practices, and policy advocacy.

Yabsira Yeshiwas

Yabsira Yeshiwas

Secretary – Addis Ababa

Yabsira has an academic background in Political Science and International Relations, with core interests in international relations theory, diplomacy, global security, foreign policy, and the political and developmental dynamics of Africa and the Global South. His academic focus extends to questions of power, governance, inequality, and how domestic and international institutions shape social outcomes. Alongside his academic pursuits, he is an actively engaged youth advocate working on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), meaningful youth inclusion, and youth participation. His engagement in these areas includes promoting access to accurate information and services, advancing rights-based and gender-responsive approaches, enabling youth leadership in decision-making spaces, and advocating for social justice through inclusive policies that reflect the voices and realities of young people.

Abate Tadese

Abate Tadese

Program – Woldiya

Abate is co-founder and Program Team coordinator of AfriYAN Ethiopia. He is a dedicated youth volunteer and young humanitarian aid worker with years of experience working in local and international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) in both development and emergency settings. He has experience in community mobilization, gender-based violence (GBV), mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), and empowering vulnerable community members.

Daniel Addi

Daniel Addis

HR & Communications – Jimma

Daniel is a senior-year pharmacy student at Jimma University and an active Rotaractor engaged in community service and youth empowerment. He has over eight years of volunteering experience and is a regular blood donor. His expertise includes leadership, project development and implementation, graphic design, and research. Daniel has worked with the British Council and the European Union on the EUPE-winning SAP project and is certified as a trainer in GBV prevention, conflict resolution, and disaster mitigation.

Firaol Girma

Firaol Girma

Program – Adama

Firaol is a founding member of AfriYAN Ethiopia and a youth advocate committed to empowering young people, promoting a sustainable environment, and advancing youth mental health. He holds an Engineering degree from Addis Ababa University and is driven by a desire to see positive, lasting impact in the lives of youth. Through his volunteer experiences, he has actively cultivated his networking, leadership, and interpersonal skills while contributing to youth-led advocacy and organizational development. Firaol believes that AfriYAN provides a unique platform for young people to connect, learn, and contribute to meaningful and sustainable change.

Hana Gerawork

Hana Gerawork

Program – Hawassa

Hana is a graduate in geology from Arba-Minch University. An expert in youth leadership, she specializes in advocacy for reproductive rights, peacebuilding, civic engagement, social behavioral change, and proposal writing. She possesses strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, is creative and ambitious, excels in teamwork, and is eager and highly motivated to learn and acquire new skills.

Saron Redietu

Saron Redietu

Communications – Addis Ababa

Saron Redietu is a youth advocate and founding member of AfriYAN Chapter-Ethiopia with a strong focus on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), gender equality, child rights and youth empowerment. She has contributed to the planning and coordination of SRHR trainings, awareness campaigns, and community engagement initiatives targeting young people. She also has experience in communication and advocacy, contributing to organizational outreach through content creation and visual communication. Her work focuses encouraging youth participation, gender equality, and inclusive, rights-based development.

Nuredin

Nuredin Tariku

Communications – Afar

Nuredin Tariku serves as the Afar Regional Representative and a dedicated youth advocate focused on empowering young people and advancing women’s well-being across Ethiopia. He leads grassroots initiatives in climate resilience, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and mental health awareness with a strong emphasis on youth leadership. His experience includes mobilizing local campaigns like tree-planting programs and facilitating workshops on gender equality through partnerships with organizations such as UNFPA and TaYA. By representing youth voices at international forums like the African Climate Conference, Nuredin utilizes his skills in public speaking and project management to equip young women and men to drive sustainable change in their communities.

Mahlet Shegaw

Mahlet Shegaw

Communications – Benishangul

Mahlet is a communications team member at the AfriYAN Ethiopia Chapter with experience in content development, digital communication, and advocacy messaging. Her work focuses on creating clear, engaging, and impactful communication materials that support youth engagement, gender equality, and social development initiatives. She is particularly interested in strategic storytelling, campaign communication, and using media to amplify youth voices and community impact.

Yordanos Molla

Communications – Bahir Dar

Yordanos is a passionate youth volunteer dedicated to making a positive impact in her community through her active participation in various initiatives focused on empowering others and driving change. Believing in the power of collective action, she is excited to be part of the AfriYAN Ethiopia Chapter, where she serves as a communication team member with experience supporting clear and consistent internal and external messaging. In this capacity, she contributes her expertise to content development and coordination to further the organization’s mission and amplify its impact.

Kalkidan Mulatu

Kalkidan Mulatu

Communications – Oromia

Kalkidan is a computer science student with a growing background in software and technology who also serves as a devoted volunteer committed to improving her town. Alongside her technical studies, she actively contributes to community projects and events with a specific focus on empowering others through initiatives centered on gender equality as well as children’s and women’s rights. By combining her academic interests with her dedication to social change, she has participated in numerous programs over the years to drive meaningful impact and bring about positive transformation in her community.

Melkamu Dola

Melkamu Dola

Program- Arba Minch

Melkamu Dola is a Public Prosecutor at the Malle Woreda Justice Office with a strong dedication to justice, volunteerism, and gender equality. He believes in using the law as a tool for social change and actively supports initiatives that advance women’s rights, equality, and community empowerment.

Kidist Dereje

Kidist Dereje

Finance – Dire Dawa

Kidist Dereje is an Executive Member of the Dire Dawa Youth Council, Founder of AfriYAN National Team, and Finance Team Leader. She is also an iCog Youth Council member. With a background in Accounting and Finance, Kidist is a trainer in Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and other soft skills, dedicated to empowering youth, fostering leadership, and creating opportunities for young people to drive positive change in their communities.

Idil Ali Osman

Idil Osman

Program – Jigjiga

Idil is an aspiring social worker, certified trainer, and passionate youth advocate dedicated to empowering young people and marginalized communities. As a B.A. graduate in Social Work from Jigjiga University, she brings over five years of volunteer experience in leadership, community mobilization, conflict resolution, and sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Through her certifications from Amref Health Africa and IGAD, Idil has delivered impactful training while gaining significant practical experience in the Public Relations Department at Jigjiga University between 2022 and 2025. These roles have refined her expertise in communication, project coordination, and youth engagement, fueling her commitment to creating inclusive programs that build resilient communities.

Asna Tijani

Asna Tijani

Program- Oromia

Asna Tijani Abadiga is a Public Health Officer graduate from Hawassa University with a strong interest in community health, youth development, and social engagement. She has gained experience through academic work, student led initiatives, and volunteer involvement, strengthening her leadership and collaboration skills. Actively engaged in youth focused and community-based activities, Asna is motivated to contribute to initiatives that empower young people and create positive, sustainable impact, which drives her involvement with the AfriYAN Ethiopia Chapter

Roza Paulos

Roza Paulos

Program- Gambella

Roza is a passionate youth volunteer and a professional nurse. She is an SRH trainer and currently serves as the National Representative from Gambela. She actively participates in initiatives related to GBV, early marriage, and peer education.

Elbethel Redietu

Elbethel Redietu

Communications – Addis Ababa

Elbethel is a passionate youth volunteer dedicated to making a positive impact in her community. Over the years, she has been involved in various initiatives, focusing on raising awareness, environmental stewardship, and advocating for social change. She has developed skills in leadership, project management, and strategic planning.

Amare Tilahun

Amare Tilahun

Program- Dire Dawa

Amare Tilahun is a Dire Dawa based youth leader and climate justice advocate who works at the intersection of gender equality, youth empowerment, and community development. He has held leadership roles within Dire Dawa Youth Council and the local scouting movement, and has represented Ethiopia on global platforms, bringing strong coordination skills, public engagement experience, and a practical, action focused approach to programs aligned with AfriYAN Ethiopia.

Mohammed Ahmed

Mohammed Ahmed

Program- Somali

Mohammed is a dedicated volunteer with a degree in Social Work from Jigjiga University. His passion for community engagement has driven him to participate in various youth activities nationwide, focusing on youth networking and leadership development. He is committed to empowering young people and fostering collaboration and advocacy in their communities.

Siraj Ali

Sirag Ali

Treasure – Kombolcha

Sirag is a dedicated volunteer with over four years of experience focused on improving the personal and professional lives of young people. As a Deputy Manager within a Youth Coalition, he has managed reporting, fundraising proposals, and advocacy campaigns covering critical areas such as Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GEYSI). Additionally, Sirag has served for two years as a Youth Economic Empowerment Training Facilitator and an Adult Education Functional Facilitator, where he builds youth capacity through soft skills training and economic development initiatives.

Betelhem

Bethlehem Getachew

Program- Tigray

Bethlehem Getachew is an actress. She is working on her craft and has graduated from a short course in this field. She wants to improve her skills in both music and acting.

Robsun Seyoum

Robson Seyoum

Communication- Addis Ababa

Robsun is a dedicated Youth Health Diplomat currently in his junior year at LCCS. He is an Interactor, a Certified First Aider, and a passionate volunteer in various organizations, including the Mesert Humanitarian Organization and the Children Heart Fund Association. Robsun is deeply committed to transforming health diplomacy in Ethiopia and across Africa. His ambition drives him to create positive change and improve health outcomes for communities.

Amir Ahmed

Amir Ahmed

Communication – Addis Ababa

Amir serves as a National Communication Team Member for AfriYAN Ethiopia, where he manages digital advocacy and developed the organization’s national website. A dual graduate in Computer Science and Accounting & Finance, he also works as an instructor at Rise Up Global. Previously, Amir was the Founding President of HUCISA and held roles with the Oromia Science and Technology Authority (OSTA), Enderase Youth Association (EYA), ALX Ethiopia, and other national institutions. By combining technical skills in web development and product design with expertise in data analysis and digital marketing, Amir drives impactful, technology-driven change within his community.

Eastern Subnational Team

Fenet Abdurahman

Fenet Abdurahman

President – Haramaya

Fenet is a dual-degree student in Law and Management at Haramaya University who currently serves as the President of the Haramaya University Student Union (HUSU). Committed to social responsibility and community impact, she is a founding member of the UNA-ET-HU Chapter and holds an executive leadership position as the Social Media Head for the Haramaya University Law Students Association. Fenet actively engages in various extracurricular initiatives, including the Anti-Corruption Club and Girls Union, where she fosters collaboration and enhances communication among her peers.

Selamawit Beshawured

Selamawit Beshawured

Communication – Haramaya

Selamawit Beshawured is a Law and Management student at Haramaya University with over three years of experience in student leadership and legal advocacy. She actively contributes to youth-led networks as a member of the AfriYAN Ethiopia communication team and serves as the President of FLSLPN and Vice Head of Entertainment for the Haramaya University Law Students Association. With a strong interest in international law and human rights, Selamawit coordinates initiatives that promote legal awareness and sexual and reproductive health rights while holding public relations roles with Finot Rotaract and the university charity club.

Sara Mandefro

Sara Mandefro

Finance – Dire Dawa

Sara Mandefro is a youth leader and community advocate with a background in Computer Science and Accounting & Finance. Her expertise spans voluntarism, youth empowerment, emergency response, and capacity building, with experience in Red Cross rescue and ambulance services, psychological and clinical first aid, and the delivery of soft-skills trainings through the Kefeta Project. She is a co-founder and team leader of Kefeta Youth SACCO, Ethiopia’s first youth-led SACCO with over 15 branches nationwide, and actively organizes forums on climate action, peacebuilding, and gender-based violence (GBV). Her focus areas include youth leadership, social inclusion, gender equality, and leveraging community-driven initiatives to create sustainable impact.

Haset Daniel

Haset Daniel

Communication – Haramaya

Hasset is a law student with a strong interest in gender equality and women’s empowerment. Her background is grounded in extensive involvement in diverse empowerment initiatives. She has developed expertise in human rights, gender justice and she is especially interested on areas focusing on women’s rights advocacy, access to justice, and the role of legal institutions in promoting equality.

Ashenafi Feyine

Program- Dire Dawa

Ashenafi Feyine is a passionate volunteer with background in Computer Science and social advocacy. He has actively participated in various initiatives, from delivering SRH trainings to providing technical support for inclusion programs. Ashenafi believes that leveraging technology and collective action is key to empowering marginalized youth, which is why he is committed to the AfriYAN Ethiopia Chapter. Youth empowering youth: Building a stronger, more inclusive future.

Fenet Jaleto

Fenet Jaleto

Program – Haramaya

Hawassa Subnational Chapter

Abreham Dawit

Abreham Dawit

President – Hawassa

Abraham Dawit is the President of the Sidama Region AfriYAN Chapter. He graduated from Hawassa University in 2025 with a Bachelor’s degree in Management and has been actively involved in various volunteer activities, working to improve the reproductive health of young people, particularly in the area of youth health. He is currently running his own business while continuing his commitment to community development.

Tsigereda Teshome

Tsigereda Teshome

Vice President – Hawassa

Tsigereda Teshome is a motivated third-year sociology student with a strong interest in leadership and social change. She is passionate about understanding social issues and contributing to solutions that improve community well-being

Mihret Habtamu

Mihret Habtamu

Secretary – Yirga Alem

Mihret is a fourth-year Economics student and the Secretary for the AfriYAN Hawassa Subnational Chapter. She currently serves as a Project Manager for UNAET at Hawassa University’s Awada Campus and as an Internal Affairs officer for the Economics Students Association. With additional experience volunteering for the Mathiwos Wondu-Ye Ethiopia Cancer Society, Mihret is a proactive leader dedicated to student engagement and driving positive community impact through effective project coordination.

Usman Meded

Usman Meded

Program – Hawassa

Usman is a driven young leader and Medical Radiology Professional passionate about leadership, diplomacy, and youth empowerment. He served as President of the Ethiopian Health Profession Students Association (EHPSA) Hawassa Branch and has experience working with different governmental and NGO organizations through leadership roles and volunteer initiatives. With a strong foundation in Management degree and strategic communication, he is committed to building effective systems and shaping a future led by capable, purpose-driven African and international youth.

Aminu Moges

Aminu Moges

HR – Hawassa

A sociology student with a background in youth leadership programs, volunteering, and civic engagement. Strong interests lie in diplomacy, social change, and building sustainable, youth driven initiatives.

Lami Negash

Program – Hawassa

Lami is a dedicated Governance student with strong passion and experience in leadership, community service, and peacebuilding. His interests and focus areas include youth empowerment, peacebuilding, and volunteerism. He currently serves as the Country Director for the African Union Students Platform.

Dinote Gezahegn

Dinote Gezahegn

HR – Hawassa

Dinote is a final-year Pharmacy and Computer Science student focused on public health, technology, and community impact. He serves as Community Service Director at Rachawassa and as a Board Member and Assistant HR Officer at Afriyan Ethiopia, Sidama Subnational Branch. He is an active Rotaractor and translator with Healing Hands of Joy, contributing to obstetric fistula eradication, maternal health, and fact-based community service initiatives.

Zossima Alebel

Zossima Alebel

HR – Hawassa

Zossima is a fifth-year law student and paralegal with a strong background in human rights, refugee law, and environmental and climate justice. He has extensive leadership experience across university clubs and student councils, provides legal aid, and actively coordinates dialogue and peacebuilding initiatives. His focus areas include human rights advocacy, transitional justice, environmental protection, and youth-led policy engagement.

Hani Hailu

Hani Hailu

Program – Hawassa

Hani is an Optometry and Business Management student driven by a passion for health, leadership, and youth empowerment. Through active involvement in health, development, and creative initiatives, She leverage communication and leadership to create meaningful change in her community.

Mulusew Wondime

Mulusew Wondime

HR – Hawassa

Mulusew is third-year Sociology student specializing in Studying Societies and advanced research methodologies.

Astewale Enyew

Astewale Enyew

Program – Hawassa

Astewale is an Economics student at Hawassa University and the President of the Economics Students Association (HU‑ESA). He also serves as the chairperson of the Economics students research center and a student council member, alongside volunteering with the “Kin Deal Charity.” Skilled in digital literacy and research, Astewale is dedicated to youth development and economic reform, believing that the future is built through the collective efforts of determined young leaders.

Nebyu Belay

Nebyu Belay

HR – Hawassa

Nebyu Belay is a biomedical engineer committed to advancing AfriYAN principles through youth empowerment, meaningful participation, and advocacy for sexual and reproductive health and rights. He focuses on applying health innovation, research, and community-centered approaches to support equitable, evidence-based solutions for young people across Africa.

Ruhama Abera

Ruhama Abera

Communication – Hawassa

Ruhama Abera is a fourth-year Journalism and Communication student at Hawassa University, where she serves as the Communication Team Head. She also holds the role of Public Relations Officer for the university’s Journalism and Communication Association and serves as a Youth Advisor for e-She (e-Learning for Higher Education). Ruhama is dedicated to leveraging her communication expertise to support digital education and student engagement.

Mairegayehu Tafesse

Mairegayehu Tafesse

Communication – Hawassa

Mairegayehu Tafesse is a nurse with a degree in Nursing from Pharma Health Science College, graduating with a CGPA of 3.58. Alongside her health background, she has developed strong skills in digital marketing and social media management and holds a certificate in graphic design, supported by solid computer skills. She currently works at Dream Line Organization in a multi-role position, serving in customer service and as a social media host. Mairegayehu is also active in community service as a Charity Coordinator with Tesfa-Negn and a Youth Center Leader with YCDF. In addition, she is the founder and owner of Mahi Event Organizer. Her focus areas include healthcare service, digital growth, community development, and youth empowerment.

Rahama Bahiru

Rahama Bahiru

HR – Hawassa

Rahama is a medical student at Hawassa University with strong involvement in academic and extracurricular activities. She was the Program Director General of the Ethiopian Health Professionals Students’ Association (EHPSA), Hawassa Branch, and a member of the Rotaract Club of Menen. On campus, she serves in Public Relations under the GC Committee and participates as an Event Coordinator member at Mary Joy Ethiopia, Hawassa. She is passionate about leadership, service, and community engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow our social media pages and watch for posted calls and opportunities. When an opening is available, we share the steps and the link to apply.

We focus on youth participation and leadership, SRHR, gender equality, mental health, climate justice, and Youth Peace and Security through advocacy, dialogue, and youth led action.

We are a policy driven youth network, not a direct service provider. We create change through advocacy, youth coordination, capacity building, and strategic partnerships.

You can partner with us on trainings, dialogues, campaigns, research, and joint community actions, including formal collaboration frameworks where needed. We work with government, CSOs, academic institutions, UN partners, media, and private sector actors.

We run policy dialogues and youth consultations, launch and grow digital campaigns, strengthen youth networks, and deliver leadership and skills trainings, including peer education and volunteer engagement.

We apply safeguarding and PSEAH commitments, including a Code of Conduct, prevention and awareness, confidential reporting, accountability, and survivor centered response.