News

The Ethiopian Association KW is pleased to announce four scholarship awards for local Ethiopian community members pursuing post-secondary education. Funded by the Community Capacity Building and Upstream well-being and belonging funding from the Region of Waterloo, these scholarships aim to support individuals committed to furthering their education and contributing to Waterloo Region Communities.

Scholarship Details:

Application Form:

EAKW-Fall-2024-Scholarship-Application-Form-1Download

1. Recent High School Graduates:

• Number of Awards: 4
• Value of Each Award: $2,500
• Application Period: August 1, 2024 – September 6, 2024, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time
• Award Announcement: September 14, 2024, at the 2017 Annual Ethiopian New Year Enkutatash Banquet
• Please download the application form above.

a. Application Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a permanent resident or Canadian citizen (supporting documentation may be requested)
• Resident of the Waterloo Region for at least two years
• Graduated from high school within the last three years
• Age between 17 and 25 years old
• Ethiopian heritage and cultural identity required (or parent/grandparent must be of Ethiopian heritage)
• First-time applicant to a post-secondary program (University/College/Trade School)
• Program must start in Fall 2024, and proof of enrolment/registration must be provided
• Two references related to community service experience
• Demonstrated financial need
• High school transcript required

b. Evaluation Method:

• Evaluation will be based on a one-page, double-spaced essay (500 words) responding to the following prompts:
  1. What is the importance of Ethiopian culture and community to you?
  2. How do you hope to use your education to contribute to your community?
• Applicants are also encouraged to include additional information regarding their financial need or individual identity that may strengthen their application and provide more context.

2. Mature Students:

a. Application Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a permanent resident or Canadian citizen (supporting documentation may be requested)
• Resident of the Waterloo Region for at least two years
• Minimum age of 25 years
• Ethiopian heritage and cultural identity required (or parent/grandparent must be of Ethiopian heritage)
• Program must start in Fall 2024, and proof of enrollment/registration must be provided
• Two references related to community service experience
• Demonstrated financial need
• Most recent transcripts required

b. Evaluation Method:

• Evaluation will be based on a one-page, double-spaced essay (500 words) responding to the following prompts:
  1. What is the importance of Ethiopian culture and community to you?
  2. How have you supported and given back to the Ethiopian community in the past?
  3. How do you hope to use your education to contribute to your community?
• Applicants are also encouraged to include additional information regarding their financial need or individual identity that may strengthen their application and provide more context.

For more information or if you have any questions, please email info@eakw.ca.

Please note that by completing the application form, you consent to the publication of your name, photograph and information.

We look forward to receiving your applications and supporting your educational pursuits.

As we approach the Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash 2017), we are excited to announce our upcoming KW community celebration on Saturday, September 14, 2024 . To make this event special and memorable, we are reaching out to the community for volunteers. Whether you are passionate about Ethiopian food, culture, music, dance, serving others, or coordinating activities, we welcome your involvement! Please fill out the volunteer form to sign up. Volunteer Form

Event details:

• Date: September 14, 2024
• Time: 4:00 pm to midnight
• Location: Victoria Park Pavilion

Volunteers are expected to meet 3 to 4 times with the volunteer groups to plan. Please check the volunteer registration form for further details.

Volunteer roles include: 

Share Ideas: Help with the program content. 

Ticket Sales: Sell tickets at the entrance and assist with managing ticketing inquiries.

Event Setup: Help with setting up decorations, tables, and chairs as needed. 

Activities Coordination: Manage games, cultural performances, and activities for both kids and adult attendees. 

Greeters/Ushers: Welcome guests, distribute programs, and provide information.

Buffet Servers: Serve food buffet-style during the event.

Music Program Support: Assist the DJ with managing the music program, including playlist coordination and equipment setup.

Liquor Service: Smart Serve Certified volunteers needed to manage liquor service responsibly.

Cleanup Crew: Assist with cleaning and tidying up after the event.We encourage the youth to volunteer. Students are eligible for volunteer hours.

Note: all high school students (Grades 9-12) in the province of Ontario are required to complete 40 hours of community service as a graduation requirement.

Our summer outdoor soccer program kicked off on May 25, 2024, at RBJ Schlegel Park. It was wonderful to meet the children, parents, and adult soccer players from the community. For a full photo gallery visit: 2024 Summer Outdoor Soccer Program Kickoff Pictures