Faith, Spiritual Growth & Orthodox Practice

1. Understand the basics of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo faith.
   
   

2. Learn to pray daily (morning, evening, meal blessings).
   
   

3. Know and recite major prayers (e.g., the Lord’s Prayer, Nicene Creed).
   
   

4. Attend liturgy and fasts with family.
   
   

5. Understand the Bible’s teachings and how to apply them.
   
   

6. Read stories of Ethiopian saints and martyrs.
   
   

7. Recognize the Holy Trinity and teachings of Christ.
   
   

8. Know the importance of forgiveness, repentance, and confession.
   
   

9. Celebrate Christian holidays (e.g., Fasika, Meskel, Genna).
   
   

10. Study biblical Ethiopian history (e.g., Queen of Sheba, Acts 8:27).
    
    

Cultural Identity & Heritage

11. Know your Ethiopian ethnic heritage (Amhara, Oromo, Tigray, etc.).
    
    

12. Speak or understand your family’s native language(s).
    
    

13. Participate in traditional dance and music.
    
    

14. Know and cook cultural dishes (injera, doro wat, etc.).
    
    

15. Dress in traditional clothing with pride.
    
    

16. Learn your family's immigration or migration story.
    
    

17. Study Ethiopian national history (e.g., King Menelik, Haile Selassie).
    
    

18. Know the significance of Ethiopia never being colonized.
    
    

19. Respect elders and family hierarchy.
    
    

20. Learn to give back to the homeland and diaspora community.
    
    

Emotional Intelligence & Mental Strength

21. Practice self-control and patience through fasting and prayer.
    
    

22. Talk openly about feelings and emotions.
    
    

23. Build resilience in the face of discrimination.
    
    

24. Recognize stress and learn healthy coping strategies.
    
    

25. Practice journaling and self-reflection.
    
    

26. Seek counseling or mentorship when needed.
    
    

27. Understand the value of sabbath/rest.
    
    

28. Develop compassion through volunteer work.
    
    

29. Know how to set personal boundaries.
    
    

30. Accept mistakes as a path to growth and grace.
    
    

Physical Wellness & Body Knowledge

31. Learn personal hygiene and body respect.
    
    

32. Practice healthy eating habits.
    
    

33. Exercise regularly through sports or dance.
    
    

34. Understand physical changes during puberty.
    
    

35. Know the dangers of substance abuse.
    
    

36. Learn first aid and basic safety.
    
    

37. Respect body as the temple of God.
    
    

38. Avoid sexual exploitation and learn about consent.
    
    

39. Sleep well and maintain good energy routines.
    
    

40. Practice self-discipline and delayed gratification.
    
    

Education, Knowledge & Critical Thinking

41. Read and comprehend at grade level or higher.
    
    

42. Study African and Black global history.
    
    

43. Know key Ethiopian thinkers, leaders, and revolutionaries.
    
    

44. Learn to question media and Eurocentric education.
    
    

45. Create personal academic goals.
    
    

46. Master research, writing, and presentation skills.
    
    

47. Explore STEM, humanities, and the arts.
    
    

48. Know your learning style and strengths.
    
    

49. Build a home study and reading habit.
    
    

50. Learn multiple languages or dialects if possible.

Financial Literacy & Career Readiness

51. Know how to save, budget, and plan money.
    
    

52. Learn the value of tithing and giving.
    
    

53. Open a youth savings account.
    
    

54. Start a small business or side hustle.
    
    

55. Set short and long-term career goals.
    
    

56. Understand taxes and financial responsibility.
    
    

57. Research scholarships and college pathways.
    
    

58. Know the difference between needs vs wants.
    
    

59. Explore entrepreneurship in the diaspora.
    
    

60. Participate in service or internship projects.
    
    

Self-Worth, Beauty & Black Excellence

61. Embrace your natural skin tone and hair with pride.
    
    

62. Know that beauty comes from God, not comparison.
    
    

63. Celebrate Black role models in every field.
    
    

64. Affirm your body and features with daily praise.
    
    

65. Create art or writing that reflects your story.
    
    

66. Know how racism and colorism work — and how to resist.
    
    

67. Build self-confidence through talents and skills.
    
    

68. Understand that you are made in God's image.
    
    

69. Dress with purpose and modesty that honors your culture.
    
    

70. Know how to speak up in unfair or harmful situations.
    
    

Family, Relationships & Community

71. Respect and assist your parents or guardians.
    
    

72. Learn to care for elders.
    
    

73. Support and mentor younger siblings or peers.
    
    

74. Know your family tree and ancestors’ names.
    
    

75. Practice hospitality with guests.
    
    

76. Share family responsibilities (chores, food prep, etc.).
    
    

77. Handle disagreements peacefully and respectfully.
    
    

78. Volunteer in your church or neighborhood.
    
    

79. Learn how to give and receive love healthily.
    
    

80. Attend community cultural events and church outings.
    
    

Justice, Advocacy & Purpose

81. Understand the role of Ethiopians in biblical justice.
    
    

82. Stand up against racism and injustice with courage.
    
    

83. Know your rights as a citizen or immigrant.
    
    

84. Advocate for education, food access, or housing in your area.
    
    

85. Learn how to organize and serve with purpose.
    
    

86. Practice civic engagement and voting (when eligible).
    
    

87. Write letters or speak out about issues you care about.
    
    

88. Support causes that align with Christian values.
    
    

89. Read about figures like Abune Petros or other Ethiopian martyrs.
    
    

90. Recognize that service to others is service to God.
    
    

Legacy, Stewardship & Vision

91. Write a letter to your future self.
    
    

92. Create a personal mission or life plan.
    
    

93. Keep a “legacy journal” of family stories.
    
    

94. Know how to write a will and preserve your name.
    
    

95. Plant trees, gardens, or create something lasting.
    
    

96. Learn about land and home ownership.
    
    

97. Teach younger generations what you’ve learned.
    
    

98. Choose a profession that uplifts your people.
    
    

99. Develop a relationship with God that lasts for life.
    
    

100. Live to be a good ancestor, guided by faith, honor, and love.