Arsema Berhane has honoured her brother Nahom’s memory through a scholarship supporting youth in Toronto. Created after his tragic passing, the Nahom Berhane Scholarship for Leadership and Inclusion is now reaching its goal of awarding 34 students, marking one scholarship for each year of Nahom’s life.

Nahom Berhane dedicated himself to supporting youth and was known as a charismatic leader. Through his work with Access Alliance, he uplifted others around the city. Access Alliance is a community health centre that has been serving vulnerable immigrant and refugee communities across Toronto for thirty-five years.

Nahom Berhane died after being stabbed in Toronto’s east end. The scholarship started by his sister in partnership with Access Alliance represents the backbone of Berhane’s work and supports vulnerable and marginalized people in the city.

The scholarship awards recipients $4,000 along with mentorship opportunities and ongoing support. This scholarship prioritizes youth with a track record of helping their community. A mix of over 500 individuals and corporate sponsors have kept the sponsorships alive for the past 10 years, distributing a total of $118,000 to the recipients.

Many scholarship recipients work in fields ranging from health care to social work while continuing to uplift their communities. Nahome Berhane Scholarship applications for this cycle close at the end of March; however, Arsema wants to continue her work inspiring people in her brother’s memory.

Source: CBC