Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many members does ADSAA have?
   A. Currently we have 40 registered alumni members. But estimates of alumni and their descendants in North America is estimated at about 200. ADSAA members out side of Ethiopia are estimated at about 400.
2. How can I be a member?
   A. As long as you attended any of the Azezo Schools sometime in the past you are automatically qualified as a full member. Also relatives and friends of the alumni who are willing to advance the goals of the association can be members.
3. Do I have to be in the United States to be ADSAA member?
   A. No. Any alumni, friends and supporters who reside in any country can be members. The only criteria to be a member is supporting the goals of ADSAA and abiding by its bylaws.
4. Do I have to pay membership fee to be a member?
   A. No. There is no mandatory membership fee. Any interested individual may contributed what ever amount she/he can afford at any time at her/his wish.
5. What can I donate?
   A. As long as it is beneficial to Azezo schools and students, donations of any kind are accepted. New or used books, used computers, sporting materials, stationary, calculators, various items (for laboratory, classroom, and library), and money donations are all fine.
6. What benefit do I get from my donations?
   A. In addition to the great altruistic satisfaction for being part of a noble cause, you can get federal tax exempt out of all donations that you give.
7. How long have ADSAA been existence?
   A. ADSAA was established in 2004. Former students of the Azezo schools that reside in the USA and Canada had a series of teleconferences regarding the deteriorating conditions of the schools and decided to do something about it. ADSAA is the conception and the fruit of several of the alumni members.
8. How many schools and students are in Azezo?
   A. There is one high school, one junior high, five elementary schools, and one boarding school for visually impaired students.
9. How old are the Azezo schools?
   A. The oldest of all is the Atse Fasil elementary school that will be celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2007. The junior elementary school is about 40 years, and the high school is 28 years old. The five elementary schools age range from 5 to 20 years.
10. What is ADSAA?
    A. ADSAA stands for Azezo Demaza Schools Alumni Association. It is named so because of the life-line river that all the schools share. ADSAA is a non profit, non political, non religious, and non ethnic charitable organization established for the main purpose of helping the Azezo Schools, students and the alumni.
11. Where does ADSAA member live?
    A. Currently registered members all live in different states of the USA. However it is the intent of ADSAA to have chapters associations in Europe and various towns in Ethiopia.
12. How frequent does the board member of ADSAA meet?
    A. Thus so far teleconferences are held at least once every two to three weeks. In the future the plan is to have a teleconference once every month. In addition to the teleconferences, the board members communicate through emails and telephones on a regular basis.
13. Where does my donation go?
    A. 100% of the donations go directly to the schools and the students.
14. Are the board members getting any compensation?
    A. No. All officers are volunteer alumni members willing to contribute their time for the organization goal. Thus so far, they cover various expenses on their own to run the association.
15. What kind of events does ADSAA host?
    A. Alumni reunions are held every year. The first reunion took place on July 7 2005 in Atlanta, Georgia. Future reunions are planned to coincide with the Ethiopian Sports Federation in North America annual tournament and venue.