In the bustling streets of Addis Ababa, where dreams often clash with harsh realities, a young man named Biruk Aschalew saw the power of youth waiting to be unlocked. Born and raised in a community where opportunities were scarce, but potential was abundant, Biruk knew from a young age that his purpose was more than just self-achievement, it was about creating a ripple of change. Today, Biruk is a renowned entrepreneur and the founder of Enderase Ethiopia Youth Development Association, a platform that empowers young people to become the changemakers of tomorrow.
The Early Years
“I was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in a community where the struggles of youth were visible but their potential often overlooked,” Biruk reflects as he recalls his beginnings. “From a young age, I developed a strong passion for leadership and social change, which pushed me to get involved in student leadership and advocacy early on.”
Biruk’s journey toward entrepreneurship began long before he founded his company. It started with his dedication to service and leadership. As a student, he became the General of the Bahir Dar Academy Student Union and served as the Vice President of the Academy’s Blood Donation Center. His involvement in student advocacy gave him a deep understanding of the challenges young people face, but it also helped him see the immense potential they had if given the right guidance and opportunities.
According to Biruk, education has served as a guiding force in his life, unlocking opportunities for him to engage with international summits, leadership forums, and youth movements.
“I’m currently pursuing two bachelor’s degrees-one in Global Studies and International Relations and another in Christian Leadership and Management,” says Biruk.
Through these platforms, he has had the privilege of representing Ethiopia and advocating for youth development. “This exposure gave me the clarity and courage to start building initiatives that go beyond personal success.”
The Birth of Enderase Ethiopia
The idea for Enderase Ethiopia Youth Development Association came from a glaring gap Biruk noticed in his own community. “I founded Enderase because I saw a significant gap in platforms that uplift and empower youth in a holistic, sustainable way. While there were scattered efforts, there was no united movement that helped young people grow in leadership, entrepreneurship, faith, and global understanding all at once.”
Headquartered in Addis Ababa, Enderase operates across Ethiopia, working to shape future leaders. “We focus on leadership development, entrepreneurship support, capacity building, peace advocacy, and youth-led policy engagement,” Biruk explains. “We are not just building a company; we are building a movement.”
Today, Enderase has grown into a dynamic force with more than 30 core team members and hundreds of volunteers spread across various regions of the country.
Keeping Pace with an Evolving Business Landscape
The business landscape for social entrepreneurship in Africa is ever-changing, and Biruk’s ability to adapt has been key to his success. “The youth development and social entrepreneurship space has become more dynamic, digital, and interconnected than ever before,” he observes. “When I began, there were limited platforms to showcase young African changemakers. Today, we see a growing appetite for youth-driven impact.”
In response to these changes, Enderase has focused on integrating digital strategies into its operations. “We invest in digital strategies, build strong partnerships, and always ensure our programs are data-driven and community-centered,” Biruk shares. “We’re also working with tech innovators and platforms to digitize parts of our impact model.”
Lessons in Resilience
Starting a youth-led initiative was no easy feat, and Biruk had to overcome significant challenges along the way. “One of the biggest challenges was starting with minimal funding and limited infrastructure,” he admits. “Building credibility as a young leader in formal policy and development spaces was another hurdle.”
But these obstacles became the foundation of his strength. “Resilience is key, relationships matter, and vision must outlive obstacles,” Biruk says. “We overcame many barriers by building trust, staying consistent, and never compromising our values.”
Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
Biruk’s journey as an entrepreneur is marked by many successes, each one a testament to the impact of his work. “Some of our proudest projects include the LEAD Workshop & LEAD for Women and Girls,” he shares. “These workshops have equipped hundreds of young leaders across Ethiopia with the tools to drive change in their communities.”
The Giving for Living Movement, another initiative spearheaded by Enderase, mobilized youth for giving, service, and impact in cities like Hawassa, Darbaminch, and Addis Ababa. Through these programs, Biruk has seen firsthand how young people, when empowered, can transform their communities.
On the international stage, Biruk has represented Ethiopian youth at several summits, including the Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHIAC 2025) and the YouthConnekt Africa Summit. “These platforms allow us to bring our stories to the global stage and connect with partners from across the continent,” he explains.
Biruk’s Expanding Influence
Biruk’s commitment to youth development extends far beyond his work with Enderase. “I’m launching a new show called ‘The LEAD with Biruk,’ which spotlights Africa’s emerging young leaders,” he reveals. “I also work with Unleash Potential on the AOIS 2025 Virtual Fundraising Event, which seeks to raise $20,000 to support youth-led initiatives across Africa.”
In addition to these projects, Biruk serves as a Youth Champion for Amref Health Africa and as the Youth Connekt Africa Ambassador for Ethiopia, roles that allow him to engage in health, leadership, and policy work on a global scale. His multifaceted involvement in various initiatives underscores his deep commitment to shaping the future of youth leadership across Africa.
Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
When asked for advice for entrepreneurs starting with limited resources, Biruk’s response is clear and straightforward: “Start small, but start strong. Don’t wait for perfect conditions to begin. Use what you have, build strategic partnerships, and let your impact speak louder than your resources.”
His advice is grounded in his own experiences. “Passion and consistency will attract the right support over time,” he emphasizes. “Stay focused on your mission, and be adaptable.”
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Biruk is particularly excited about the intersection of technology and leadership. “I’m excited about the intersection of AI, leadership, and education, we’re exploring how to integrate technology into our training models,” he says. This integration of technology promises to change the way young people are trained and empowered to lead.
Upcoming initiatives, such as the LEAD Conference 2025, Global Point Launch, and a virtual fundraising campaign, are just a few of the projects Biruk is working on. These efforts are aimed at scaling the impact of Enderase and expanding the reach of his work across Africa and beyond.
As Biruk reflects on his journey, the lesson that stands out to him is clear: “Vision without people is just a dream, and leadership without service is hollow.” His approach to entrepreneurship is rooted in a deep understanding that true success is not measured by what you build, but by how many lives you touch and how many people you uplift.
“Success is not just about personal achievement,” Biruk concludes. “It’s about creating a movement that lives beyond you, a movement that empowers others to lead, innovate, and transform their communities.”
