About AYCC | Asella Youth and Community Center Ethiopia | Our Story | Mission and Values | Community Development | Youth Empowerment | Nonprofit Organization | Programs and Activities | Partnerships | Safety and Sustainability
About AYCC | Supporting Children and Youth in Ethiopia | Nonprofit NGO
About AYCC
The Asella Youth and Community Center (AYCC) is a grassroots initiative to uplift vulnerable youth, reduce academic disparities, and invest in the future of our community.
Community-Centered
Rooted in local needs and led by community members
Youth-Focused
Keeping youth at the heart of our mission by supporting their learning, growth, and sense of belonging
Education-Driven
Bridging academic gaps through targeted support
Our Story | History of AYCC | Community Journey | Helping Vulnerable Youth in Asella, Ethiopia
Our Story
A journey of returning home to make a difference
My name is Marin Tinkham, also known by my Ethiopian name Meron Asefa. I was born in Asella, Oromia, and adopted by an American family during childhood. In 2025, I returned to Asella to start the Asella Youth and Community Center (AYCC) as its Founder, while completing my Master of Social Work internship at the Women and Children’s Affairs Office, where I am gaining a deeper understanding of the community’s social needs. The vision for AYCC was inspired by my own childhood experiences attending afterschool programs such as summer rec and the Boys & Girls Club in the U.S. These programs gave me support, belonging, and opportunities to grow. I want to create the same for children in Asella. AYCC is also fortunate to be receiving mentorship from the World Youth Club network, whose guidance helps us align with best practices as we grow.
Mission and Values | AYCC Ethiopia | Child Support | Education | Shelter | Community Development | Youth Empowerment | Social Impact
Our Mission & Core Values
Mission Statement
AYCC is a safe and welcoming space in Asella where children receive homework help, caring adult support, and a nutritious snack after school. Together with families and the community, we nurture children’s growth today while building pathways to stronger families and brighter futures.
Our Promise to Youth
These promises guide everything we do at AYCC, ensuring children have the support and environment they need to thrive.
We put children first, focusing on their learning, growth, and sense of belonging
We provide consistent homework help and learning activities that build confidence and improve school performance
We offer a welcoming space after school where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged
We work hand in hand with families, schools, and local leaders to create a strong network of care for children
We grow thoughtfully and responsibly, always guided by the real needs of the children and community we serve
Why Asella | Community Needs in Oromia | Ethiopia | Vulnerable Youth | Local Development | AYCC Location
Why Asella? Why Now?
Addressing critical educational gaps in our community
The Challenge
Many students in Asella fall behind academically not because they lack ability, but because they lack support. In many homes, parents are unable to read or write and work long hours, leaving children unsupervised after school without help to complete their homework. This often results in stress, academic decline, and increased dropout risk.
Academic Struggles
Many students fall behind not because they lack ability, but because they lack support
Limited Family Support
Parents unable to read or write and work long hours, leaving children unsupervised
After-School Gap
Children left without help to complete homework during critical hours
Our Solution
AYCC addresses these challenges by:
- Helping students master school material through tutoring and homework support
- Relieving pressure on families who cannot assist with schoolwork
- Offering consistent mentorship and encouragement
- Keeping youth engaged and safe during critical afterschool hours
This fall, AYCC will begin with 15 children referred by the Women and Children’s Affairs Office. These students are among those most in need of academic support, ensuring our program reaches the families struggling the most.