A Call to Action: Alumni of Lycée Gebre-Mariam

Dear Fellow Alumni,

We write to you today not just as former classmates, but as beneficiaries of an extraordinary educational legacy that shaped who we are today. The halls of Lycée Gebre-Marim didn’t just teach us subjects they instilled in us values, critical thinking, and the confidence to pursue excellence wherever life has taken us.

The Spark of Inspiration

Yesterday, we had the privilege of speaking with Professor Teddy and IT consultant Samrawit, both proud alumni of our beloved institution. Their enthusiasm for supporting the next generation was infectious, and their readiness to contribute their expertise reminded us of the spirit that Lycée Gebre-Marim fostered in all of us: the obligation to lift others as we climb.

Why This Matters Now

Today’s young generation faces challenges we could never have imagined during our school days. They need institutions that don’t just deliver education, but that cultivate character, foster innovation, and prepare them for a rapidly changing world. They need what we had and more.

The principles that made Lycée Gebre-Mariam exceptional weren’t tied to its buildings or resources alone, but to its commitment to:

• Academic excellence without compromising human values
• Critical thinking that empowers students to question and create
• Community spirit that extends far beyond graduation
• Leadership development that serves society

Our Vision: A New Institution, An Enduring Legacy

We propose establishing a new educational institution that embodies the spirit and values of Lycée Gebre-Mariam while addressing contemporary educational needs. This wouldn’t be mere replication, but evolution taking the best of our shared educational heritage and adapting it for today’s learners.

The school would focus on:

• Modern curricula integrated with timeless values
• Technology-enhanced learning environments
• Community engagement and social responsibility
• Preparing students for global citizenship
• Fostering entrepreneurship and innovation

The Path Forward

This vision can only become reality through our collective action. We have among us:

• Educators like Professor Teddy who understand pedagogical excellence
• Technology experts like Samrawit who can integrate modern learning tools
• Professionals across every sector who can contribute expertise
• Leaders who can navigate the establishment process
• Alumni who succeeded because of what our school gave us

Your Role in This Legacy

We’re not asking you to abandon your current commitments, but to consider how your success can seed the success of others. Your contribution could take many forms:

Financial Support: Help establish the foundation for sustainable operations
Expertise Sharing: Contribute your professional knowledge to curriculum development
Mentorship: Guide young minds as others once guided us
Advisory Roles: Help shape the institution’s direction and governance
Network Building: Connect the school with opportunities and partnerships

Taking the First Step

The most ambitious journeys begin with a single step. We propose forming an Alumni Initiative Committee to:

1. Assess Interest and Commitment: Gauge how many alumni are willing to actively participate
2. Develop a Comprehensive Plan: Create detailed proposals for the school’s structure, curriculum, and operations
3. Secure Initial Funding: Establish the financial foundation needed to begin
4. Navigate Legal Requirements: Handle incorporation, accreditation, and regulatory compliance
5. Identify Location and Resources: Find suitable facilities and educational materials
6. Recruit Leadership: Identify and hire exceptional administrators and faculty

The Time is Now

Every day we delay is another day that young minds go without the transformative education we were privileged to receive. Professor Teddy and Samrawit have already shown their willingness to lead. The question is: will you join them?

The seeds of this initiative are already planted in our shared experience and values. With your participation, we can nurture them into something extraordinary a living tribute to Lycée Gebre-Mariam and a gift to future generations.

Next Steps

If this vision resonates with you, we invite you to:

1. Respond to this call with your initial thoughts and level of interest
2. Join our founding committee to help shape this initiative from the ground up
3. Spread the word to fellow alumni who might want to participate
4. Begin contributing your expertise, connections, or resources

Closing Thoughts

Lycée Gebre-Mariam gave us more than an education it gave us a responsibility. A responsibility to use our knowledge, success, and influence to create opportunities for others. Today, we have the chance to honor that responsibility in the most meaningful way possible: by creating an institution that will shape minds and change lives for generations to come.

The question isn’t whether we can do this it’s whether we will choose to do this.

We await your response and your partnership in this transformative endeavor.

Together, we can build something extraordinary.

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To express your interest or learn more about joining this initiative, please contact Samrawit Sissay Raya

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.” – Chinese Proverb