Biography

Hussien Yimer Gebeyehu is a Social Work graduate from Addis Ababa University who grew up in Goro Woreda, Bale Zone, Oromia and now is a CorpsAfrica/Ethiopia Cohort 4 Volunteer. His journey from a rural community to higher education and community service has been shaped by perseverance, family sacrifice, a strong belief in education, and a desire to contribute to the well-being of others.

Growing up in rural Bale, Hussien faced many challenges in pursuing his education. For years, attending school meant walking long distances through difficult weather and muddy roads. His community also lived without electricity for approximately twelve years, making studying after school difficult. He often relied on a kerosene lamp or waited for daylight to read and complete assignments. Through these challenges, the encouragement and sacrifices of his parents, particularly his mother, helped him continue his education.

After joining Addis Ababa University, Hussien made an unexpected choice to study Social Work, a field unfamiliar to both him and his family. The decision became a turning point in his life. Through Social Work, he developed a deeper understanding of human dignity, social justice, human rights, and community development, while learning to connect classroom knowledge with real community experiences.

His journey eventually led him to CorpsAfrica, where he found an opportunity to put these values into practice. As a Volunteer, Hussien has returned to a rural setting—not simply to serve, but also to listen and learn from the community. He believes meaningful development begins by recognizing local knowledge, strengths, and resources and working together toward locally driven solutions.

For Hussien, the journey continues. He hopes to deepen his education and experience while remaining connected to underserved communities in Ethiopia and across Africa, guided by perseverance, learning, service, and purpose.