RUSSOM'S SMILE
Shine Bright And Be The Difference In Someone's Life
WHO WE ARE
Here at Russom's Smile, we are driven by a single goal; to celebrate life and lift up one another. Based out of Edmonton Alberta we partner with schools in Eritrea, Africa and head multiple local community initiatives. We strive to help those who otherwise would go unnoticed as well as cultivate exceptional character within our community.
OUR STORY
Remembering Russom, July 19 1996 - October 24 2014
Russom Woldeabzghi was an exceptionally kind-hearted and friendly individual, tragically taken from us in a sudden car accident at the age of 18. Russom's impact on his community in his few years on earth was immense and left many with countless memories of his selfless nature and infectious smile. Russom's Smile emerged out of a pursuit to continue to share the light which his smile brought while inspiring and supporting the community which lost him. Established in 2015, an organization is driven by actions that speak louder than words has impacted the lives of over 500 children in Eritrea, Africa and continues to unite our community in the way that he naturally did.
INITIATIVES
Values Into Action
EDUCATION ACCESSIBILITY
Weki Duba Elementary school
At Russom's Smile, we understand that the future lies within children. Weki Duba is a small village outside the capital city of Asmara in Eritrea, containing only an Elementary school. Consequently, many children have to walk several kilometres to simply get to school resulting in some dropping out altogether. To keep more children in school we donate up to 15 bicycles per year which are awarded based on academic merit to children completing elementary school.
In addition to lacking a jr high school, the elementary school which they do have is overcrowded with over 700 students sharing 5 small classrooms. As a result of this children as young as 7 must also walk to neighbouring villages to attend school. Recently, Russom's Smile has donated building materials for three additional classrooms to ensure the safety of these young children by allowing them to remain in their own village for primary school.
QUALITY OF LIFE ENHANCEMENT
Abraha Bahta School for the Blind
With this initiative, our goal is to promote safety and independence for the students at Eritrea's only school for the visually impaired. With access to the right resources, people can become empowered by their own abilities and gain the confidence to fulfil their potential. The students live on campus during the academic year and inconsistent power has made daily tasks difficult. To help with this, Russom's Smile has donated a generator, without which, the school would be unable to cook meals on some days.
In addition to daily living necessities, the school is undersupplied in white canes, braille and tactile teaching aids. Each year, we work to expand their supplies and enhance the education of these students.
COMMUNITY BUILDING
Annual Youth Camp
With our organization’s mission always in mind, we strive to cherish and strengthen the relationships we have with one another. Russom absolutely loved life and loved people so we set out a weekend each year to honour those attributes. The purpose of this trip is character development through challenging activities and times of reflection in an environment many youths have never experienced before.
MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Russom Michael Award
Throughout his life, Russom was involved with various sports, primarily basketball and he was often recognized for his exceptional sportsmanship. His exceptional character left lasting memories for his coaches and teammates on and off the court. In memory of him, we have established a one thousand dollar scholarship for one basketball player at his former school, Edmonton Christian High School. This scholarship is awarded to the player which exhibits exceptional leadership qualities and conduct toward teammates and opponents.
YORDANOS ASFAHA
President
Russom's Mother, Yordanos the creator of Russom's Smile has made it her mission to ensure her son's legacy lives on. Yordanos channelled the support she received in the time following Russom's Smile into this project and oversees all operations.
LILY WOLDEABZGHI
Vice-President
With us since our founding, Russom's younger sister Lily joined the team at 14, overseeing and creative directing all fundraising projects since.
