We are excited to introduce you to Leul Yosef, a dedicated social worker with our Family Empowerment Program (FEP).
Leul is passionate about the holistic development of children, and his work addresses their educational, social, and physical needs. He also collaborates with FEP mothers, empowering them through Income-Generating Activities (IGAs) while closely monitoring their children’s progress.
Tell us about your family.
My father passed away when I was young, so it was me, my mother and me and my two younger brothers. I’m really close with my brothers, we are a three-boy household, so it can get really loud sometimes!
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to work with Addis Jemari?
I attended University and majored in social work, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work. In high school, I attended a boys-only Catholic school, St. Joseph’s in Ethiopia, where education was high-quality. I volunteered at several NGOs during high school because I wanted to help the underprivileged. After briefly studying engineering at a University, I switched to social work at a private college. After college graduation, I worked at an orphanage as a teacher before joining Addis Jemari. I was drawn to AJ’s Christian mission and the people I interviewed with, and I knew I wanted to be part of the AJ Family.
What does a typical day in your role at Addis Jemari look like?
Summer is different, as we’re in the midst of summer camps. In the morning, I work on mothers’ IGAs and social work reports, and in the afternoon, I’m with the drama and character camp. The kids are doing more than I expected—they’re acting and really good! I love working with children, even though it’s tiring. They say what’s on their mind, and it’s a blessing to be around them all day. I also enjoy working with the mothers’ IGA projects. I get to see how IGA is affecting their families, as I know it will change their lives forever. The mothers we serve are very resourceful.
What’s something you have noticed that has changed since working at AJ?
What makes AJ different is how organized everything is. The children know what’s going on, and everything is structured and intentional, which is different from other places I’ve worked.
How do you see your role impacting the individuals you work with?
I work with both mothers and children. For example, I helped a child who was struggling with reading and math. By working with him individually and trying different approaches, I saw him improve. It’s exciting to see the change, and I believe these small moments make a big difference.
What are some challenges you face in your role, and how do you overcome them?
Working with kids is tiring, but I go home, rest, and wake up with new energy to tackle the day. The children energize me, and I rest at night so I can be there for them the next day.
Outside of work, what are some of your interests or hobbies?
I enjoy media, video editing, and podcasting. In high school, I started writing to process my emotions. I also love watching movies, listening to music, and playing futbol.
Are there any books, quotes, or scriptures that inspire you?
I’m very spiritual and read the Bible often. One concept I carry with me is treating people as you want to be treated. I treat the children I work with with sensitivity because, even though they’re kids, they have emotions, and you have to be mindful of that.
What is one thing you want our AJ Family to know about Ethiopia?
It’s a very social country. You meet your neighbors, have coffee with them every day, and celebrate weddings together. That was my favorite part of growing up.
Your support empowers team members like Leul, who are dedicated to making a lasting impact in the lives of the children and families we serve. Thank you for being a vital part of the Addis Jemari family!