FAQ

The MAS Alumni Association (Medhane Alem School Alumni Association) is a global network of graduates of Medhane Alem School in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Our mission is to connect alumni across the diaspora, support the school’s development, and invest in the community that shaped us.

Any former student of Medhane Alem School is welcome to join, regardless of when you attended or where you live today. Our members live throughout Ethiopia and accross the world. If you spent anytime in Medsh as a young person, you owe it to yourself to be a member and give back to the community that nurtured you during your formative years.

The MAS Alumni Association was founded in 20 ___ by a group of Medhane Alem School graduates committed to giving back to the school that shaped them. It is governed by an elected leadership committee representing alumni across Ethiopia and the global diaspora.

Medhane Alem School was founded on October 17, 1931 by Emperor Haile Selassie I. It was the fourth modern school in Ethiopia, originally established as a boarding school for orphans in the Gullele area of northwestern Addis Ababa. Today it operates as one of Addis Ababa’s prominent public secondary schools with a legacy spanning nearly a century.

All funds collected go toward improving the school’s physical and digital infrastructure. Current priorities include modernizing the library, rehabilitating the school grounds and sports facilities, and building digital infrastructure (including computer networks, smartboards, and laptops and tablets for teachers and students).

Dues are the foundation of the association’s financial base. They fund school improvement projects, cover administrative costs, and demonstrate to outside donors and partners that our alumni community is organized and committed. Even the smallest tier makes a real difference.

• There are four circles of participaton, each named with a word that reflects our values:
  • Lijoch (Children): $8/year or 1,200 ETB
  • Wegen (Friend/Companion): $30/year or 5,000 ETB
  • Hager (Homeland): $60/year or 10,000 ETB
  • Anbessa (Lion): $95/year or 15,000 ETB

Diaspora members can pay online via credit or debit card. Members in Ethiopia can pay via Telebirr or direct bank transfer. Instructions are provided at checkout. Visit our Pay Dues page to get started.

Not at this time. Membership is manually renewed each year. You will receive a reminder email when your membership is approaching expiration.

All donations go into the MAS General Fund, which is allocated by the association’s leadership committee toward school improvement projects. We are committed to transparency. Fund allocation decisions are made collectively and communicated to members.

Yes. Donations and membership are separate. Anyone; including alumni, family members, friends of the school, or supporters of Ethiopian education, is welcome to make a donation regardless of membership status.

Not at this time. The association is currently registered in Ethiopia and does not yet have U.S. 501(c)(3) status. We are working toward establishing a U.S. legal entity which would enable tax-deductible donations for U.S.-based donors. We will update members when this changes.

Visit our Donate page and fill out the donation form. You can donate by credit card online, or by Telebirr or bank transfer if you are based in Ethiopia.

Use the contact form on our Contact Us page or email us directly at [email protected]. We aim to respond within 2–3 business days.