Kidist

My name is Kidist, but my friends call me Kiddy. I grew up in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in a loving family that taught me faith, respect, and hard work. I live with my mom, three brothers and one sister. Growing up had its challenges - at times I had to work to earn money to continue my education - but those experiences made me stronger, more resilient, and more dependent on God.

I met Jesus through my family, but I came to know Him personally as a young person when I realized following Him is about relationship, not just religion. The catalyst for change was truly understanding God's love and the sacrifice Jesus made for me on the cross, which led me to surrender my life to Him. I first heard about Young Life through a club near my school when a friend invited me, and after attending, I stayed. I have been in Young Life for 5 years - 1 year as a club kid and 4 years as a leader. I also serve as a teen program leader at my church.

With the Developing Global Leaders scholarship, I will be the first in my family to attend university, starting my dream course Bachelor's in Business Management and Administration at Select Business and Technology College in Addis Ababa. My greatest strength is that I never give up. My vision is to build my own business and create employment opportunities for others, while continuing to grow spiritually, disciple young people, teach God's Word, and use the gifts God has given me to make a lasting impact for His Kingdom.