Tekle

Among the students volunteering this fall, Tekle is one of the few from area public high schools.

Study Buddies program pairs teens with children in need Holly Hobbs 2010

Now, Tekle is giving back by volunteering as a tutor two nights a week.

Study Buddies program pairs teens with children in need Holly Hobbs 2010

"In my neighborhood, there was a lot of gang activity," Tekle said.

Study Buddies program pairs teens with children in need Holly Hobbs 2010

"It kept me out of trouble," said Fairfax High School senior Abele Tekle, 17, who for seven years received homework help on English and science.

Study Buddies program pairs teens with children in need Holly Hobbs 2010

Tekle said more public high school students should volunteer if they can.

Study Buddies program pairs teens with children in need Holly Hobbs 2010

Although Tekle was born in Alexandria, his parents are from Eritrea, in eastern Africa.

Study Buddies program pairs teens with children in need Holly Hobbs 2010

Tekle-Mariam, related how two failed attempts were made on his life

ANC Daily News Briefing 1996

Tekle was shot at, beaten by security guards and nearly suffocated while stowed in the false bottom of a truck.

The Washington Post: National, World & D.C. Area News and Headlines - washingtonpost.com 2011

Officials at the Eritrean Embassy in Washington and at the Permanent Eritrean Mission to the United Nations did not respond to requests for comments about Tekle's allegations of forced conscription and abuse by the Eritrean military.

The Washington Post: National, World & D.C. Area News and Headlines - washingtonpost.com 2011

Tekle's schoolmates cheered as guards escorted him away.

The Washington Post: National, World & D.C. Area News and Headlines - washingtonpost.com 2011