Arsema Berhane has been steadfast in her commitment to honoring her brother Nahom, who tragically passed away in a stabbing incident in Toronto over a decade ago. Determined not to let his death be forgotten, she established the Nahom Berhane Scholarship for Leadership and Inclusion, with the goal of awarding scholarships to 34 deserving young individuals in commemoration of the 34 years Nahom lived.
As the scholarship program nears the completion of its 10-year mission, Arsema reflects on the journey, initially unsure if they could reach this milestone. She acknowledges the collective effort of the community in achieving this goal, providing support to numerous youths in a manner that resonates with Nahom’s passion for empowering young people.
Nahom, a charismatic leader known for his belief that “everyone has a story,” dedicated himself to assisting youth through his work at Access Alliance. His untimely death in 2014 left a significant void, but Arsema, with the support of those who admired Nahom, initiated the scholarship as a means of fostering long-lasting impact and healing within the community.
The scholarship, viewed as the essence of Nahom’s advocacy, offers $4,000 to recipients along with mentorship and ongoing assistance. Arsema emphasizes that the program prioritizes individuals of African descent who have demonstrated a commitment to serving their communities and overcoming obstacles, rather than focusing solely on academic achievements or connections.
With the generous contributions of over 500 donors and corporate sponsors, the scholarship fund has reached a total of $118,000. Arsema expresses gratitude for the support received, enabling the continuation of the initiative for a decade. As the scholarship program approaches its completion, Arsema plans to sustain her inspirational work in memory of her brother, drawing strength from the network of past recipients.
The impact of the scholarship extends beyond financial assistance, as many recipients have gone on to pursue careers in fields such as healthcare and social work, actively contributing to their communities. Stephen Mensah, an early beneficiary who now leads the Toronto Youth Cabinet, credits the scholarship for enabling him to focus on his academic and community endeavors without financial stress.
Reflecting on Nahom’s legacy and the scholarship’s ripple effect, Arsema finds solace in witnessing the positive influence scholarship recipients exert within their communities. She emphasizes that preserving Nahom’s legacy and empowering others remain at the core of her ongoing mission.