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Viral fundraisers in Addis raise money and questions — Level A1 — a couple of women smiling

Viral fundraisers in Addis raise money and questionsCEFR A1

12 Nov 2025

LevelA1A2B1B2

Adapted from Endalkachew Chala, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0

Photo by Gift Habeshaw, Unsplash

Level A1 – Beginner
2 min
98 words
  • Social media fundraisers are common in Addis Ababa.
  • A TikTok video was filmed in a parked car near Bole.
  • The man in the video is named Tamru.
  • The clip was first posted on @melektegnaw_ with about 1.7 million followers.
  • The video ends with a hand pressing cash into Tamru’s palm.
  • People sent money after the clip went viral.
  • More than USD 1,576 moved through Tamru’s bank account.
  • Other accounts got an estimated USD 2,120 to 2,425.
  • The money was meant to buy a Bajaj so Tamru could work.
  • Tamru says he later wired USD 1,212 and went public.

Difficult words

  • man — an adult male person.
  • talk — to speak to someone.
    talks
  • illness — a disease or sick condition.
  • struggle — to try hard to do something difficult.
    struggles
  • donate — to give something to help others.
    donated
  • hope — to want something to happen.
    hopes
  • request — to ask for something.
    requests

Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.

Discussion questions

  • Why do you think people wanted to help Tamru?
  • How would you feel if you received strange requests for money?
  • What do you think Tamru should do next?

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