By Geir Frivold, chair of THAF
After a long flight, I landed in Addis Ababa early on May 14. With an e-visa secured in advance and no checked luggage, I made it through customs smoothly, and was met in the parking lot by my host.
A Warm Welcome
My ‘home base’ during this visit was the home of Worku and Rahel Negash. After long and successful careers in higher education and computer science in California, they returned 12 years ago to Ethiopia with a passion to give back, Rahel works for the Major of Addis Ababa and Worku consults with the Ministry of Education, teaches PhD students at the University and both are deeply committed to philantropy both in their church and in the community. Their story is deeply moving—truly worthy of a book—and I felt honored to be welcomed into their home and family life.
Sharing a meal in the garden with my hosts, Worku and Rahel Negash and extended family members. Worku has a PhD from Stanford and Rahel worked as an IT specialist at Stanford.
Limited Travel, Deep Impact
Due to ongoing security concerns, I was unable to travel widely outside the capital this time. Still, I managed to visit a remote willage south of Hawassa, the site of our first of six planned safe water projects for 2025, as well as a school and orphanage on the outskirts of the city.
I also got to spend a day at the Hamlin Fistula Foundation—where women suffering from devastating birth injuries receive life-restoring surgery and rehabilitation—and I met with Dr. Samuel, THAF’s renowned ophthalmologist featured in the documentary The End of Blindness. Together, we met with our partners at Cure Blindness (formerly the Himalayan Cataract Project), and I reconnected with several of our other trusted partners supported by THAF.
Continuing Larry’s Legacy
As I walked through these projects, I couldn’t help but think of Dr. Larry Thomas, our late founder. I believe he would be very pleased to see how the work he was so passionate about is not only continuing, but has significantly expanded. This progress has been made possible by the unwavering support of our donors and the funds Larry thoughtfully designated in his will to carry this work forward.
What Your Support Is Making Possible in 2025
This year, THAF’s operating budget surpasses USD $600,000 and funds a wide array of impactful programs:
3,070 cataract surgeries
1,100 uterine prolapse repair surgeries
Rehabilitation and reintegration training for 30 women recovering from fistula repair at Hamlin Hospital
Construction of 8 “waiting homes” for expectant mothers in remote villages
Establishing an agricultural program at L’ESPERANCE, a school and orphanage and building 3 new classrooms at the school.
After-school training in academics, life skills, and self-defense for 100 at-risk girls in Addis Ababa.
A new vehicle for APIDO, an organization supporting podoconiosis care and prevention in 70 rural centers
Clinical support in Dembi Dolo: eye care, women’s health, podoconiosis treatment, and disability services
Investing in establishin vocational training for deaf girls in Ambo, creating new pathways to independence
Seed funding for FARM STEW, a program promoting nutrition, organic farming, hygiene, entrepreneurship, and Bible-based ethics
Support for families raising children with disabilities in southern Ethiopia
Staying True to Our Mission
Our focus remains clear: to serve “the poorest of the poor,” especially those with disabilities, by empowering them with the tools and opportunities to thrive.
We only partner with organizations that have a proven track record of transparency, accountability, compassion, and measurable impact. And we are proud to say that 100% of your donations go directly to program work—THAF has no paid staff, and all board members cover their own travel and administrative costs.
More Updates Coming Soon
The primary purpose of my trip was to see our programs in action and report back to our board—and to you, our generous supporters. I’ll be sharing follow-up stories and updates in the coming days. I hope you’ll stay with us on this journey.
Thank you for walking alongside us in this work. Together, we’re changing lives.
