| This dissertation research explores how Ethiopians living in the United States network to support community-level educational development in their community of origin. A qualitative case study of Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association (ASAA), an organization whose members come from Kilte-Awlaelo located in Tigray, Ethiopia discloses how the group is networking, fundraising, evaluating and monitoring educational programs they support in their community of origin while living abroad. Fifteen participants were purposefully selected for interviews. The study also used participant observations and focus group discussions. ASAA members are leveraging existing resources within their group and community of origin to accomplish their objectives and goals. Their work is done through one hundred percent volunteerism and their major networks are their friends, families, and community members all of whom raise funds, gather information from their community of origin, and make decisions. Educational and economic programs that promote self-sufficiency are among the resources that many students in Ethiopia are lacking. The ASAA members have taken a role to help and collaborate with their community of origin to enhance the overall educational resources. |
