Gondar & Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

Office Time:
Monday to Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm

Call Us:
+251 703 80 7472

Email:
volunteerTech@aklilumandefro.com

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About Us

About Us
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About Us

"The world is changed by your actions, not by your opinions".
- Shannon L. Alder

Rather than merely voicing our concerns about the challenges facing our society, let's roll up our sleeves and dive into impactful initiatives that drive real, tangible change. In doing so, we inspire others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of positive action that extends far beyond our local communities.

- Team Volunteer Tech®

Imagine a world where every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances, feels truly valued, deeply inspired, and fully empowered to unleash their unique talents and reach their fullest potential. A world where dreams are nurtured, voices are heard, and every person is encouraged to shine brightly in their own extraordinary way.

This vision is exactly where Volunteer Tech® comes in. Founded in May 2017 by Aklilu Mandefro, a visionary young software developer and researcher, Volunteer Tech® is a professional skills training program dedicated to transforming the lives of marginalized youth, including street youth, those from conflict-affected areas, disabled youth, and young individuals from very low-income families, with a strong emphasis on empowering young women.

With our roots in Gondar and Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, our mission stretches far beyond local borders, aspiring to empower communities throughout Africa. We're here not only to play our part on helping humanity move forward and making the world a better place, but also to inspire others(including our trainees) to do the same.

At Volunteer Tech®, we believe that every young person possesses untapped potential waiting to be ignited. Our mission is to inspire and equip the next generation to rise above challenges, chase their dreams, and emerge as resilient leaders who can effect positive change in their communities, with a specific focus on empowering young women and promoting gender equality. We offer free professional training in four essential areas: personal development, leadership, software development, research, and tailoring.

" If your presence in this world does not contribute positively, or if your absence does not create a noticeable void in the lives of others, it may be time to reflect on the purpose of your existence. A life that extends beyond oneself is a life well-lived.

At Volunteer Tech®, we take great pride in understanding the true value of life. Our fulfillment does not come from material wealth, extravagant cars, or luxurious homes; rather, it arises from our dedication to serving others and making a difference in their lives."

- Team Volunteer Tech®

Equality is Not a Dream, It's Our Mission!

Passionate about making a difference on the lives of others? Join Us.

Our Mission

At Volunteer Tech®, our mission is not only to empower marginalized youths by providing free, high-quality professional skills training in personal development, leadership, software development, research, and tailoring, but also to inspire others to do the same. We strive to ignite their potential, inspire resilience, and equip them with the skills necessary to overcome challenges and become transformative leaders in their communities, with a strong emphasis on fostering gender equality. Through our programs, we aim to foster a culture of empowerment, innovation, and collaboration that uplifts not only individuals but also the communities they serve.

Our Vision

Our vision at Volunteer Tech® is to create a world where every young person, regardless of their background, has access to the resources and opportunities needed to realize their dreams. We envision a future where empowered youth, especially young women, lead the charge in driving positive change, contributing to sustainable development, and shaping a brighter, more equitable society across Africa and beyond. Together, we aspire to cultivate a generation of resilient leaders who inspire hope, creativity, and progress for all.

Message From The Founder

"As the founder of this transformative program, I want to share a pivotal chapter of my life that profoundly shaped my vision and commitment to empowering marginalized youths. During my early years, I faced a challenging situation that led to homelessness, forcing me to live on the streets for nearly a year alongside other street youths. Initially, I saw them as lacking direction, but as I shared in their struggles, I discovered the incredible, untapped potential within many of them—dreams stifled by a lack of support and opportunity.

This profound realization ignited a fire within me to uplift those facing similar obstacles. I came to understand that every young person, regardless of their circumstances, has the potential to rise above and create positive change. This understanding is the cornerstone of Volunteer Tech®—a program dedicated to unlocking that potential and empowering the next generation to overcome challenges.

At Volunteer Tech®, our ultimate goal is to foster an environment where no youth is held back from achieving their dreams due to a lack of support and opportunity. We aim not only to provide free professional skills training for marginalized youths but also to inspire others to do the same. In a world where opportunities are often limited, we strive to be a beacon of hope and possibility. We, the Volunteer Tech® Team, strongly believe that Education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about cultivating resilience, creativity, and the courage to dream big.

We are more than just a training program; we are a community—a vibrant tapestry that embraces diversity, nurtures talent, and champions collaboration. Together, we create an environment where young minds can flourish, learning to lead, innovate, and inspire change.

As we embark on this journey, I invite you to join us. Whether you are a participant, mentor, or supporter, your involvement is vital. Together, we can ignite a spark of change, cultivate a culture of empowerment, and build a brighter future where everyone thrives.

If you are passionate about helping humanity move forward and making the world a better place for all, join us and leave your mark.

Let's make dreams that seem dimmed by a lack of support and opportunity become reality! "

Aklilu Mandefro,

Founder and Educator, Volunteer Tech®

Trainees successfully completed our skills training program.

Former trainees launched a volunteering program to do the same.

Former and current volunteers from 5 countries.

Current trainees.

Former trainees got hired as Software Developers, Data Analysts, and Tailors.

Former trainees launched their own small businesses.

Trainees received opportunities to further their education.

Former trainees work with us.

Why Choose Us

At Volunteer Tech®, we spark transformation! Our free training programs empower young individuals with vital skills in leadership, coding, and personal development. Guided by passionate mentors, we create an inspiring space where dreams take flight. Rooted in our communities, we tailor our approach to ensure every participant thrives.

By investing in today’s youth, we’re shaping tomorrow’s bold leaders—change-makers ready to inspire hope and drive progress. Join us in this exciting journey to create a brighter future for all!

Personal Development (Training)
Leadership (Training)
Software Development (Training)
Research (Training)
Web design and Dev't for NGOs and Volunteering Programs
Completely Free Service
Provide Educational Resources to Trainees

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Meet Our Core Team and Board Members

Meet some of our passionate staff dedicated to transforming dreams that once seemed dim into vibrant realities.

Isabella Harun

Leadership Mentor, UK isabella.harun@outlook.com

Elias Mamo

Coding Mentor, UK elias.mamo@yahoo.com

Aklilu Mandefro

Founder & Coding Mentor, Ethiopia aklilumandefro.m@gmail.com

Martha Tadesse

Story Teller, Ethiopia martha.tadesse@outlook.com

Ivy Madison

Personal Dev't Mentor, USA ivy.madison@gmail.com

Daniel Raful

Coding Mentor, Kenya daniel.raful2@gmail.com

Aziza and Helen

Application Readers, Ethiopia aReadersVT@aklilumandefro.com

Mahilet Dawit

Research Mentor, USA mahiletdawit9@gmail.com

Dr. Ayalew Tesema

Executive Director, Ethiopia Ayalew.tesema@yahoo.com

Yibela Melak

Board Secretary, USA yibelaMelak@automattic.com

Kenean Dawit

Board Chair, Ethiopia kenean_dawit@gmail.com

Zaafarani Thabiti

Board Member, Kenya Thabiti.Zaafarani@gmail.com

How We Make Work Successful

1Set Goals

Establishing clear and achievable goals is the foundation of success. By defining specific objectives, we create a roadmap that guides their efforts and ensures alignment. This clarity not only fosters motivation but also allows for measurable progress, keeping everyone focused on the desired outcomes.

2Foster Teamwork

Success flourishes in a collaborative environment. Encouraging open communication and teamwork brings diverse perspectives together, sparking creativity and innovation. When individuals work cohesively, they strengthen relationships and enhance problem-solving capabilities, leading to more effective solutions.

3Embrace Learning

Committing to continuous learning is essential for growth and adaptability. By encouraging our staff to seek new knowledge and skills, we cultivate a culture of innovation. This dedication to learning ensures that everyone remains equipped to tackle emerging challenges and seize new opportunities.

4Enjoy Success

Recognizing and celebrating achievements, both big and small, boosts morale and reinforces a sense of accomplishment. Celebrating successes fosters a positive environment where individuals feel valued and motivated to strive for further excellence, creating a cycle of ongoing achievement and growth.

About Us