Abenezer Girma Beyene
True change only happens when we stop just talking about bullying and start making people "Feel and Seeing" the real pain and the broken futures it creates, ensuring no child is ever left behind because of how they look.
Abenezer (16), Ethiopia. In 2024, Abenezer survived a hyena attack that left him in hospital for two months. When he returned to school, classmates made cruel jokes about his scars. Instead of confronting the bullies, Abenezer decided to help them understand how their words could make others feel.
He launched an anti-bullying drama initiative at Hi-Tech Academy. His first poster attracted just nine students. After reframing it as a “Drama Program,” 40 students joined, and 115 attended his first full performance. The approach helped turn an important message into something young people wanted to be part of.
Abenezer then took the initiative beyond his school. At Ras-Mekonen Academy, he reached more than 280 students with disabilities. With support from Hi-Tech Academy, he expanded to Dire Dawa, reaching 60 participants, and Addis Ababa, reaching more than 230. What started with nine students became a growing movement against bullying.
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