We are excited to share the highlights from MaaQef’s college tour at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Building on the momentum of our successful UNC Chapel Hill visit, this trip brought together students, parents, and board members for a day of exploration, inspiration, and discovery on one of the nation’s most prestigious campuses.

A Community That Shows Up

Once again, the MaaQef community answered the call in full force. Students, parents, and chaperones gathered bright and early at Debre Tabor Egziabher Church before embarking on the journey to Durham. The enthusiasm was evident from the very start, with families arriving on time and students eager to see what Duke had in store.

Exploring the Duke Campus

The guided campus tour lasted approximately two hours, led by Dr. Yohannes Asfaw and Dr. Anteneh Birga, with support from a Duke University student guide. Students explored key landmarks including Duke Chapel, the libraries, the athletic facilities, and historic classroom buildings. The Gothic architecture of Duke’s West Campus left a memorable impression on every student. Walking through the stone archways and open quads, many students remarked that the campus felt like something out of a storybook.

Figure 1: Students engaging in a timed problem-solving exercise in a Duke University classroom

A Peek Behind the Blue Devil Legacy

One of the highlights of the campus tour was a visit to Duke’s Athletic Museum, where students came face to face with the university’s storied sports history. The display showcasing national championships, ACC titles, All-Americans, and individual national champions sparked conversations about the balance between academic excellence and athletic achievement that Duke embodies

Figure 2: Students exploring Duke’s Athletic Museum, surrounded by the university’s championship legacy

Minds at Work: An Academic Taste of Duke

The day also included an informal academic experience, giving students a glimpse of what learning at the university level looks and feels like. Gathered in a campus classroom, students engaged with material under a timed exercise that mirrored college-style problem-solving — a moment that brought real meaning to the idea of preparing for higher education.

Figure 3: Students engaging in the classroom

Parents and Chaperones: The Pillars of the Trip

Behind every successful tour is a team of dedicated adults who give their time to make it possible. Parent volunteers, board members, and community leaders came together to provide transportation, coordination, and encouragement throughout the day. Their presence was a constant reminder to students that their community is invested in their future.

Figure 4: Parent volunteers and board members posing in front of Duke’s iconic Gothic archways

A Breath of Fresh Air: Sarah P. Duke Gardens

After the campus tour, the group made their way to the Sarah P. Duke Gardens for a well-deserved break. The beautifully maintained grounds offered students a chance to relax, connect with one another, and enjoy the natural beauty of one of the finest university gardens in the country. The weather was perfect — neither too hot nor too cold — making it an ideal setting for photos, laughter, and conversation.

Figure 5: Students strolling along the tree-lined path of the Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Figure 6: MaaQef students and chaperones gather on the steps of Duke Chapel for a group photo

Heartfelt Thanks

This tour would not have been possible without the dedication, generosity, and coordination of so many individuals. MaaQef would like to extend sincere appreciation to:

  • Dr. Yohannes Asfaw and Dr. Anteneh Birga for their leadership in planning, coordinating, and guiding the tour, and for their generosity in providing sandwiches and snacks for the students.
  • Kalkidan Behailu for her dedication in coordinating logistics and ensuring the day ran smoothly.
  • Ato Asres Shiferaw, MaaQef founder and board member, for his kind offer of lunch for all the adults.
  • Our Parents and Board Members who stepped up to provide transportation, serve as chaperones, and offer their unwavering support throughout the day.

Your collective commitment is what makes MaaQef’s programs possible, and your example shows our students the power of community investment

Looking Ahead

After the tremendous success of our visits to UNC Chapel Hill and Duke University, MaaQef is proud to be closing out its Triangle college tour series with a visit to NC State University. With these three visits, MaaQef will have introduced its students to each of the most prominent universities in the Triangle area, giving them a comprehensive and inspiring look at the world of higher education right in their own backyard.

Programs like these sit at the heart of MaaQef’s mission: empowering young people with the exposure, knowledge, and confidence they need to pursue higher education and build bright futures. We are grateful for every student who showed up with curiosity, every parent who volunteered their time, and every donor and supporter who makes this work possible. Together, we are opening doors — one campus visit at a time.