In Loving Memory of Yared Aklilu
Honoring Yared's beautiful spirit by expanding educational opportunities for children in Ethiopia who need them most, and supporting families and individuals facing hardship with dignity and hope.
Yared Aklilu
1968 - 2023
"His smile lit up every room"
"Let all that you do be done in love."
— 1 Corinthians 16:14
Yared was a bright and compassionate young soul who deeply loved helping others. His motto was "Because I can." He helped anyone in need, freely offering his time, money, and energy to those who needed support. People relied on him. He was accessible to everyone, always just a phone call away. No matter how busy he was, he found time to meet people's needs. Many turned to him for guidance, asking how to do something or where to find the right service or support, and he was always willing to help.
One of the most significant impacts Yared made was supporting more than 200 vulnerable children in Ethiopia whose families were facing crisis. Over multiple years, he ensured their educational needs were met by paying for food, school uniforms, and essential school supplies, giving them stability, dignity, and the opportunity to continue learning.
Though his time with us was brief, his impact was profound and lasting. He helped people quietly, never asking for recognition, and consistently looked for ways to lift others up. If he heard of a family struggling, he would find a way to help. Yared's kindness had no limits.
His legacy lives on through every life touched by the support given in his name. This foundation carries forward his vision of helping people in need, just as he did.
Tributes
Share your memories and tributes to Yared
Our Purpose
The Yared Aklilu Foundation exists to honor Yared's life by serving others with love, generosity, and purpose. Guided by the belief that all we do should be done in love, the foundation supports children, families, and individuals in need by expanding access to education and essential resources, uplifting communities, and responding to hardship with compassion and dignity. Through every act of service, we carry forward Yared's legacy of selfless giving and quiet impact.
"Helping others requires nothing more than being human."
— Yared's guiding principle
Making a Difference
Every donation creates real, measurable change in the lives of children and their communities.
During his life, Yared made a lasting difference through quiet, selfless acts of love and service.
216 Children Supported
Covered educational expenses, food, school uniforms, and supplies for vulnerable children in rural Ethiopia over multiple years.
Home Rebuilt
Restored a grandmother's home in rural Ethiopia, bringing safety, dignity, and stability.
Medical Support
Helped individuals access essential medical care during serious health crises.
Small Businesses
Enabled individuals to start sustainable businesses to support their families.
Education Access
Covered education expenses and rent for families pursuing schooling.
Continuing Yared's mission by carrying forward the values he lived by.
8 Families
Continuing support with education and rent assistance while they attend school.
Water Project
Building a sustainable water supply in Bucha, Gurage region—a community Yared held close to his heart—to improve daily living and long-term well-being.
Tesfa Addis Child Cancer Organization
Donated to support children receiving cancer care and their families.
Alpha Breast Cancer Support Services
Donated to help individuals and families affected by breast cancer.
Help us continue this legacy
Make a Donation216+
Children Supported
8
Families Assisted
100%
Goes to Programs
1
Water Project
Real Lives Changed
This video documents one of Yared's most meaningful acts of service. It shows the trusted partner he worked with in Ethiopia receiving the funds Yared sent to support 216 vulnerable children in a rural community who had lost one or both parents. The funds were then delivered to local women community workers, who responsibly disbursed the support directly to the children's families. Through this effort, Yared helped provide food, school uniforms, and essential educational supplies, ensuring these children could continue their education with dignity and hope.
Make a Difference Today
100% of your donation goes directly to programs serving children. Zero administrative costs deducted.
Secure donation powered by Zeffy. 100% of your gift goes directly to helping people in need.