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Professor Meareg Amare Foundation
We are dedicated to expanding access to education by providing the resources, opportunities, and support that help individuals overcome barriers and build brighter futures.
Welcome to the Professor Meareg Amare Foundation
Special thanks to Freweyni Etsey & Wikianos Tsesfahun for the thoughtful original artistic work and sketches created in honor of Professor Meareg's enduring legacy.
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Like the ancient Obelisk of Axum: reaching toward the cosmos, the Foundation unites science, heritage, and human compassion to inspire generations through the eternal power of knowledge and discovery.
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Portrait of the Professor: reflects the enduring spirit of a scholar whose sacrifice transformed grief into a timeless mission of science, education, compassion, and hope for future generations.
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The sketched building: honors the Professor by transforming the nerve breaking sadness in his loss into a beacon of science, education, innovation, & compassion for future generations.
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The laboratory apparatus: symbolizes the Professor's enduring vision of healing, discovery, and empowerment through science.
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The Emblem of Justice: symbolizes the unwavering pursuit of truth and accountability against the hatred, injustice, and disinformation that devastated Professor Meareg and his family.
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The sun, clouds, and horizon: symbolize hope rising beyond darkness, reflecting the Foundation's mission to transform the grief, multilayer injustice, and loss into enlightenment, healing, and a brighter future through knowledge and humanity.
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The mountain: symbolizes resilience and endurance while reflecting the sacred landscape of Tigray, where the same peaks rise beyond the Professor's graveside in his village, linking his memory to the land, strength, and timeless spirit of his people.
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The angel: Inspired by Eastern religious art and Indigenous Aksumite visual culture, carries the sorrow of a loyal professor who served his people, country, and science 40+ years with truth and sacrifice, yet was betrayed by his own, and now stands before God watching & asking for justice calling for truth and justice beyond history.
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The elements in the drawing represent:
Fe — Iron
A symbol of strength, resilience, and unwavering character, Iron reflects Professor Meareg's lifelong stand for truth, knowledge, and human dignity. It represents his moral and intellectual strength, his resistance against hatred and injustice, and his enduring commitment to passing knowledge across generations until his final moments on earth.
He — Helium
A symbol of hope, elevation, and resilience, Helium represents the Foundation's mission to uplift students and communities through education, opportunity, and service. Its light and steady nature reflects a spirit of peace, guidance, and rising above adversity.
Au — Gold
A symbol of excellence, honor, and enduring legacy, Gold reflects his lifelong commitment to truth, knowledge, and service. Like the element itself, his legacy and the Foundation built in his name remains timeless, resilient, and unshaken by hatred or disinformation.
C — Carbon
The foundation of life and the building block of science, Carbon reflects his dedication as a Full Professor of Analytical Chemistry and his lifelong commitment to education, research, and discovery. It symbolizes knowledge, students, and the scientific foundations upon which future schools, laboratories, and generations are built.
The foundation was established in February 2023 in memory of Professor Meareg Amare Abrha. Born in the rural village of Aditsehafi in Axum, Tigray, he became one of only three full professors of Analytical Chemistry in Ethiopia and was widely respected for his scholarship, leadership, and service. He was cold-bloodedly murdered in his home on November 3, 2021, by Amhara armed groups. His killing was fueled by hate-driven disinformation on Facebook, where false accusations and incitement led to the violence against him.
The Professor Meareg Amare Foundation is a non-governmental, nonprofit organization committed to expanding access to quality education in Tigray, a region deeply affected by prolonged conflict. Inspired and led by the family of the late Professor Meareg Amare Abrha, the foundation supports initiatives such as building science laboratories, providing teaching and learning materials, awarding annual scholarships, and partnering with other nonprofit organizations to strengthen educational opportunity and community well-being.
Our Vision and Mission
Rooted in the enduring vision of Professor Meareg Amare Abrha, our foundation is committed to empowering the next generation through education. We believe that access to knowledge, mentorship, and essential resources is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. By investing in students and schools in Tigray, we honor our father's legacy and strive to create a future where education transforms lives and communities.
Inspired by Professor Meareg Amare Abrha's wisdom and dedication, we envision a Tigray in which disadvantaged students have access to quality education, meaningful mentorship, and the resources they need to thrive. Through scholarships, financial assistance, and educational infrastructure, we work to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty and help future generations build stable, self-sustaining lives.
Gallery
Life & Legacy
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Video Gallery
Moments in Motion
What We Do
Meeting urgent needs, building lasting opportunity
Community Outreach
We provide financial and material support to help relieve the hardship experienced by people affected by war, including displaced families, injured civilians, and vulnerable communities.
Education
We work to improve access to quality education in Tigray by supporting children and adolescents with learning opportunities, school-related assistance, and essential household support where needed. Through these efforts, we help address illiteracy, reduce the barriers created by extreme poverty, and promote long-term community development.
Give today and help transform lives through education and community support.
Donate
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Our primary goal is to support deserving students through scholarships and comprehensive educational assistance. We work to remove barriers to learning and create pathways for talented individuals from underserved backgrounds to pursue higher education and contribute meaningfully to society. Through financial support, mentorship, and guidance, we seek to equip future leaders and advance a more just and educated world.
At present, the foundation operates entirely online and does not maintain a physical office. Our application and communication processes are designed to be accessible through the website, and most correspondence is handled by email to ensure timely support and assistance.
We are committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of all resources entrusted to us. To support effective distribution, we work with carefully vetted local partners and follow clear review processes to help ensure that financial assistance and material support reach the individuals and communities most in need.
Interested in Donating?
Your donation helps fund essential support, including educational materials, school supplies, and other assistance for communities affected by conflict in northern Ethiopia. The foundation was established in memory of Professor Meareg Amare Abrha, and his values continue to guide our commitment to expanding educational opportunity for students facing financial hardship.
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Biography
Biography of Professor Meareg Amare Abrha
Professor Meareg Amare Abrha, a revered Ethiopian intellectual and Full Professor of Analytical Chemistry at Bahir Dar University, was more than an academic — he was a devoted father, community pillar, and passionate educator. Born on March 21, 1961, in Adi-Tsehafiti, near Axum, his journey reflected resilience and brilliance.
His early academic path took him from Abreha Atsbeha Elementary to Addis Ababa University, where he earned his BSc, MSc, and eventually, a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry. His professional life was marked by dedication — teaching and mentoring students, managing the university's science laboratories, publishing over 47 research papers, and authoring textbooks that shaped chemistry education in Ethiopia.
Despite his unwavering service, he became the target of disinformation and hate speech due to his Tigrayan identity. On October 9th and 10th, 2021, defamatory Facebook posts falsely accused him of supporting insurgent groups, specifically targeting his Tigrayan ethnicity and wrongly defaming him. Weeks later, on November 3, 2021, he was assassinated in his home in Bahir Dar City following a campaign of ethnically motivated disinformation on Facebook.
Professor Meareg's death marked a grave injustice, but his legacy of knowledge, peace, and community empowerment continues through this foundation. His life is a powerful reminder of the value of truth, education, and standing against hate.
Family & Foundation
Family and Foundation History
The Meareg Amare Foundation was established by his family and close community members to honor his memory and carry forward his vision. Our family, deeply affected by his tragic and unjust loss, is committed to fighting hate speech and disinformation while advancing education and community development.
We believe in nurturing the values our father lived by: knowledge, compassion, and resilience. The foundation seeks to empower youth, build inclusive communities, and honor the victims of targeted violence and injustice.
Timeline
Timeline of His Life & Legacy
Scroll to follow the journey — from birth to a legacy that endures today.
1961
Origins
Born in Adi-Tsehafiti
Born near Axum, marking the beginning of a story that would shape a nation's academic legacy.
1982
Education
Diploma in Chemistry
Received his Diploma in Chemistry from Haramaya College, the first step in a lifelong scientific pursuit.
1983-85
Hardship
Imprisoned Under the Derg
Held for political reasons during the Derg regime — years that tested his resolve but never his purpose.
1990
Growth
BSc in Chemistry
Earned his BSc in Chemistry and began extensive teaching work, shaping the next generation of scientists.
2004
Advancement
MSc, Analytical Chemistry
Deepened his expertise with a Master's degree in Analytical Chemistry.
2005
Career
Joined Bahir Dar University
Began his tenure as lecturer and researcher, laying roots that would grow for over a decade.
2013
Achievement
PhD in Physical Chemistry
Awarded his doctorate, cementing his place among the country's leading chemists.
2017
Recognition
Associate Professor
Promoted to Associate Professor in recognition of his research and teaching excellence.
Feb
2021
2021
Milestone
Full Professor
Promoted to Full Professor — one of only three in his field nationwide, a rare and remarkable achievement.
Nov
2021
2021
In Memory
Assassinated in Bahir Dar
His life was taken amid ethnically-motivated disinformation — a profound loss for the academic community.
Today
Legacy
The Foundation Continues
His legacy lives on today through the Foundation established in his name, carrying his work forward.
Governance
Board Members
Fikreab Meareg
Board Member / President
Nigist Hailu
Board Member
Abrham Meareg Amare
Board Member / Treasurer
Bethelhem Meareg Amare
Board Member
Natnael Meareg Amare
Board Member / Secretary
Mission & Initiatives
Our Mission
Inspired by the enduring wisdom and dedication of Professor Meareg Amare Abrha, our foundation is committed to promoting education and empowering the youth of Tigray. We aim to ensure that disadvantaged students have access to quality learning opportunities, mentorship, and the essential resources they need to succeed. Our initiatives include building and improving schools, providing scholarships and financial assistance, and supplying vital educational materials. In addition, we are dedicated to countering harmful online rhetoric by fostering inclusive narratives and advocating for truth, dignity, and justice. Through these efforts, we seek to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty and help cultivate a brighter, self-sustaining future for the next generation.
Education
Tigray, a historically rich and culturally vibrant region in northern Ethiopia, has long recognized the transformative power of education. However, years of conflict, displacement, and underinvestment have severely disrupted the educational infrastructure, leaving thousands of students without access to safe learning environments, qualified teachers, or essential materials.
Many schools have been damaged or destroyed, and countless children have had their education interrupted — some for years at a time. Rural areas are especially impacted, where students often walk long distances to reach overcrowded classrooms, and resources such as textbooks, desks, and basic supplies are limited. In these conditions, teachers face overwhelming challenges, and students — especially girls and children from low-income families — are at risk of falling behind or dropping out entirely.
Despite these hardships, the people of Tigray remain deeply committed to learning. Education is not only seen as a pathway to opportunity but also as a tool for healing, rebuilding, and securing a more just and peaceful future.
School Building Projects
Help us Rebuild Education in Tigray
The war in Tigray has devastated every aspect of life — but perhaps none more tragically than the hopes and dreams of children. Schools, once filled with the laughter and learning of young minds, now stand silent. Many have been forced to abandon their education, some for years, due to violence, displacement, and trauma.
Education is more than just learning — it is healing. It is a pathway to a better future. But for the children of Tigray, that future has been put on hold.
At our foundation, we are committed to restoring education in Tigray by rehabilitating damaged schools, providing essential supplies, and creating safe spaces for students to learn and thrive again. But we cannot do this alone.
We need your support.
Your donation can help us:
- Rebuild classrooms and repair school buildings
- Provide desks, books, and learning materials
- Train and support teachers returning to their schools
- Offer psychosocial support for students impacted by war
Every child deserves the chance to learn in a safe and nurturing environment. By giving today, you are helping us bring hope back to Tigray — one classroom at a time.
Join us. Donate now. Be part of a future through education.
DonateSupporting Materials and Resources
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Get Involved
How Can I Help?
Guided by the legacy of Professor Meareg Amare Abrha, our foundation is grounded in the belief that education, equity, and empowerment are the keys to lasting change. We're proud to walk alongside compassionate individuals like you who are committed to opening doors for young minds in Tigray.
Our work centers around bringing people together — whether through scholarships, mentorship, or investing in vital educational infrastructure. Every initiative is driven by our core values and a shared vision for a self-sustaining future built by the very students we support.
There are many ways to be part of this journey. From volunteering your time to contributing to a fundraising effort, your involvement fuels our mission and transforms lives.
Prefer to give directly? We accept credit card donations to make it easy for you to support vulnerable youth and help break the cycle of poverty — one opportunity at a time.
Funding Allocation
At the Professor Meareg Amare Foundation, we are committed to using every contribution with purpose, integrity, and transparency. We believe that donors deserve to know exactly how their support is making an impact.
Here's how your donations help:
- Scholarships & Financial Aid — A significant portion of funding goes directly toward supporting students through tuition assistance, school supplies, uniforms, and other essential academic needs.
- Educational Infrastructure — We invest in building and improving learning environments — such as classrooms, libraries, and access to digital resources — so that students have the tools they need to succeed.
- Mentorship & Support Programs — Donations also support mentorship opportunities, leadership development, and well-being initiatives that guide students throughout their educational journey.
We are deeply committed to being transparent and accountable. If you'd like more information or a detailed breakdown of how funds are used, we're always here to share. Your trust means everything to us — and your support is truly transforming lives.
Volunteer Opportunities
Coming Soon
Events & Campaigns
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