We are excited to highlight the incredible work of Melese Kitu, who recently joined KnowTheGlow as our Volunteer in Ethiopia.
In his first month of volunteering, Melese has already made a remarkable impact by integrating Retinoblastoma awareness into his teaching at Bahir Dar University, where he is currently a PhD fellow. As part of his Epidemiology lectures, he introduced 33 third-year BSc students to the early signs of Retinoblastoma and other glow-related eye conditions.
He reinforced the sessions with awareness leaflets and visual learning materials, helping students from different regions of Ethiopia understand how they can play a role in identifying The Glow. To keep the conversation going, he shared the materials in a Telegram group of 51 students and faculty members, extending awareness beyond the classroom.
Melese also started his efforts close to home, speaking with his family about Retinoblastoma. His wife, who works as a midwife at a local health centre, has since begun checking children for possible early signs during her daily work.It is familiar conversations like this that create real impact.
We’re so proud to have Melese as part of the KnowTheGlow family and look forward to supporting his continued work to raise awareness of childhood eye conditions in Ethiopia.