#whitefeatherfoundation

STUDIO SAMUEL FOUNDATION IS THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE

JULIAN LENNON HAS JOINED ITS ADVISORY BOARD

 SSF Opens Training Center for Young Women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 

Lennon Collaborating with Studio Samuel on Forthcoming Short Documentary,Providing Narration and Music ~ View Preview Here

New York/Addis Ababa-based NGO and non-profit organization Studio Samuel Foundation announces that esteemed philanthropist, photographer and musician, Julian Lennon has joined its team as a member of the advisory board committee.  Lennon, on behalf of his organization, The White Feather Foundation, which he founded in 2007, works to support charities and non-profit organizations globally on environmental and humanitarian issues.

Studio Samuel Foundation launched in April 2012 with the mission of providing life skills to vulnerable young women in Ethiopia.  Central to Studio Samuel Foundation’s approach is “empowerment without pity,” and the organization works with its Addis Ababa-based team and local artisans in Ethiopia in order to create sustainable impact programs with young women and girls.

Having recently received its official international license to operate in Ethiopia, Studio Samuel Foundation opens its first training center in Addis Ababa this December 2014.

A short documentary piece will tell the story behind Studio Samuel Foundation, featuring the perspective of one girl from the countryside who sought out involvement with the organization, making the choice against at-risk alternatives. Julian Lennon is lending his voice and music to the film.  View a preview here. 

The music Lennon has selected for the Studio Samuel short documentary is the song “Invisible,” from his current release, Everything Changes.

“Know that loves surrounds you, it’s invisible.”

Of his involvement with the organization, Julian Lennon stated: “I’ve been impressed and energized by Studio Samuel Foundation’s sustainable model and approach for women’s empowerment in Ethiopia. The organization stands to make an impact with women, not just for women - and most importantly, with the local communities, not over them.”   

Julian Lennon photo/credit: Deborah Anderson

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  "Supporting the girl means impacting the community at large. Educating the girl means educating the community while breaking through to a future generation. I applaud Studio Samuel." - beloved Ethiopian singer Gigi

  "Organizations like Studio Samuel Foundation are critical to helping educate women and giving them the skills and confidence to improve their livelihoods and those of their families."- Sheryl WuDunn, co-creator of Half The Sky Movement

"I've been impressed and energized by Studio Samuel Foundation's sustainable model and approach for women's empowerment in Ethiopia. The organization stands to make an impact with women, not just for women - and most importantly with the local communities, not over them." - Julian Lennon

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About Studio Samuel Foundation

Studio Samuel Foundation launched in April 2012 with the mission of providing life skills to vulnerable young women in Ethiopia. Through its fair-trade product lines, Studio Samuel creates jobs and supports local artisans, and proceeds are applied to educational platforms for women and girls.  Tamara Horton, FIT graduate, Women’s Campaign International Global Ambassador to Ethiopia and Board Member of Ethiopia Healthcare Network, founded Studio Samuel and spearheads design and marketing for the non-profit organization’s unique jewelry and accessories from New York City. Through its team and partner organizations in Addis Ababa, Studio Samuel maintains sourcing and production in Ethiopia. The 1Hundred Girls Impact Plan has impacted young Ethiopian women in areas including mentoring, self-defense training, occupational training, healthcare and feminine hygiene. By facilitating local relationships on the ground, rather than offering a handout, Studio Samuel is helping women break the cycle of poverty they were born into - with dignity - one woman at a time. http://www.studiosamuel.org/

  About The White Feather Foundation

The White Feather Foundation embraces environmental and humanitarian issues and in conjunction with partners from around the world, helps to raise funds for the betterment of all life and honours those who have truly made a difference.

In May 2013, The White Feather Foundation had its first gala event in Monaco hosted by honoree Whoopi Goldberg and attended by international press and guests from all around the globe, including HSH Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco. Funds raised have gone to support multiple organizations including The Amazon Conservation Team, charity: water, Interactions & Solidarity, Lupus Foundation of America, Millennium Promise, and Monaco Red Cross.

http://whitefeatherfoundation.com

  About Training for Tomorrow

Training for Tomorrow is Studio Samuel Foundation’s educational platform launched in 2014. The program includes occupational training, counseling, life skills training, healthcare courses, mentoring, entrepreneurial workshops and karate classes. The curriculum (outside of karate) is comprised of modules successfully used in case studies conducted by UN-based partners in developing countries.