Waritu has yet to reveal to his family and friends that he is the commencement speaker for this year’s ceremony. Most of them, he said, will be shocked and surprised when they find out he will be telling his story in front of thousands of people.
“We were very impressed with his message and how he reflected on how his experience at Portland State affected him,” Ebru Korbek, coordinator for commencement, said of the Graduation Program Board.
As for being nervous speaking in front of so many people, Waritu said he will be speaking from the heart, which will alleviate any nervousness.
“I believe I have a unique story, and I have to let my voice be heard,” Waritu said. “At least, if I can motivate one student at commencement with my message, then I think it’s worth it, and my job is done.”
One of Waritu’s proudest achievements is helping found the Gadab Foundation, a nonprofit organization that awards scholarships to students near his hometown of Oromia.
Waritu serves as the president of the Gadab Foundation, which has assisted 24 students since it was established two years ago.
He said that he strongly believes the foundation is one of the primary reasons he was given the opportunity to further his education, because he is supposed to pass on his passion for education to others.
“He is going to make a tremendous difference in the lives of young people,” said Etter, who began to cry when she spoke about Waritu.
For more on this story visit Vanguard. And to support young students with scholarshp, visit Gadab Foundation.
Watch the Commencement speech below.
Kun hedduu namatti tola!Galatoomi Gadab Foundationiif! Jabaadhu abboo!
Tarii wanni ati haasa’uu feetu waa’ee OromiYaatii? Mee haa dhageenyukaa!
Itti fufi…!
wawwww i know really the gadabfaondation org. the founder mr. presdent Tamam W. very well that they r really helpin me and students like me here in backhome in mony different Ethio. Universities as well as high school. Really the Organization is the only one i ever seen just standing to help us/Oromo students in backhome irrespective of our religion ,location and attitude just for our being only oromo and feeling oromuma and having great ambition n intereast in our future society devolopment. just wallahi the Gadab is the really organization that has great vision, short & long term plan and objectives inorder to really bring out our oromo community to future bright through education ,while lendin their majic hand for newly rising oromo students, just like me , in Oromia comminity here backhome. so i really have great number of thanks for all members of organization as well as all peaple contributing for the organization. farther more ,i strongly recommended all oromo peaple in diaspora as wel as here in backhome to get stand with this organization in all aspect of developin our community and being effective perticipent like the founder (thanks to mr Tamam W.) or creating the same organization to help at least newly arisng students from each local community of oromia.
i hope we all people will stand to develop our community just like the best best examplary organi==GADAB.
many thanks for garad and also i don’t pass without gratifying the developer of this wonderful website.
liberty &peace 4 O ppl at all!!!!………………………….lol
Binee, I’m really happy to hear that you and others in Oromia are beneficiaries of Gadab Foundation. As you can see, the founder is also doing other great things here in the United states. I fully support Gadab Foundation and encourage others to to encourage Gadab and other similar foundations financially, materially (books, computers, etc.) and in whatever ways possible.
Thank you again for your kind words and I hope you would follow Tamam’s footsteps and help the community who helped you.
O’z UP!
I just saw the speech by this young proud Oromo on youtube today. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbUpYzM6RjM
Thank you One-One for sharing this wonderful commencement speech!
Comments from the ER
Tamam, you make all oromos proud. I have a child in the same situation that you were in and I hope he will do and follow your steps. I have been showing him your videos and articles about you. you are inspiring to all of Us.
jabaadhuu itti fufi.
anis gammachuu daangaa hinqabne siif gammadee jiraa. ammas jabaadhuu saba kee boonsi leenca keenna.
Dear Tamaam,
I just heard about your achivment taht you have recorded in such a way that a dramatic way, from a friend of mine just your name and started searching using “google”searching engine just writing down your name and Abbaa keenna Waarituu, the foundation of this Golden achivment for all of us by you.
It is really inspiring example for our brothers and sisters those who gave up and quit schooling and just stacked on the job for susistance.
This is just the beginning I wish you more success!
maloo wantichi naaf hin galee