Dear family members,
I hope this letter finds you well, surrounded by your loved ones. It brings me great joy to introduce a new initiative within our family that will have a lasting impact. I want to share my vision and invite your thoughts and participation.
The Negeri Family Foundation
A few family members are initiating the establishment of The Negeri Family Foundation to support our extended family and a few individuals in need, as circumstances allow. Some of you might remember that I established a non-profit organization known as Farmers Integrated Ministry but could not proceed because some church leaders thought it clashed with my ministry. For the sake of the unity of my church, I quit the program at the time.
However, I have always desired to support those who need it, specifically those in academic areas of any level. As this has been lingering with me, I understood that we can do something about this issue starting at a small scale. I shared my idea with Guta Olana, who encouraged me to bring it up to our family members. Consequently, I have come to realize that our family has the potential to do even more — particularly in assisting students at various educational levels who are struggling due to financial hardship.
Many students risk dropping out or never attending school simply because they lack the necessary financial support and encouragement. As family members and followers of Christian teachings, we are called to extend a helping hand. Even a small contribution from us can make a significant difference in someone’s life, allowing them to pursue their education and build a better future.
A couple of years ago, I heard a story about the grandson of Melkitu Negeri, who lives in Neqempt, who invented a village drone that surprised the community and motivated many people to support him. Can you see from this that if such a student is encouraged, what he could be someday?
Personal witness
Years ago, while I was still in elementary school, my parents could not afford to send me to school. There were two main reasons for this: first, a lack of awareness about education in our predominantly traditional family, and second, the passing of my father, which left our family struggling to survive. As a result, I was forced to abandon school and started farming at a young age.
However, my older brother, Rev. Olana Negeri, changed the course of my life by pulling me away from traditional farming and allowing me to pursue education. Without his intervention, my life would have taken a very different path. This personal experience has reinforced my belief that even the smallest act of support can transform someone’s future.
Our mission
The mission of The Negeri Family Foundation is simple: to make a positive difference in someone’s life. This initiative does not require us to make large financial sacrifices or commit to something beyond our means. Instead, it is about coming together as a family to contribute in ways that are manageable but meaningful.
Along with this letter, I am sharing the draft foundation by-laws for your review. Nothing is finalized yet, and I encourage all family members to read through them and provide their input so we can refine and strengthen our approach together.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts and working together to make a difference while we still have the opportunity.
Even the smallest act of support can transform someone’s future. Educate a child and change the future.
With gratitude,
Pastor Melkamu Negeri
Founder · Author of “Life and Ministry,” “The Secrets of a Good Marriage,” and “The Importance of Family History”