Bogale Tessema found Seeds of Africa by accident. Maggie Sands, who is in charge of community development for SOA, was trying to get in touch with a colleague of Bogale's. They ended up communicating directly, and met for the first time during Maggie's trip to Ethiopia in August 2010.

He recommended two acquaintances for the country director position—but, he said, “when I accidentally visited the Take-Root center in my hometown, I was deeply moved by what I saw (I love children) and was instinctively drawn to its motto. I forwarded my interest and they inquired my resume. I submitted and won the candidacy. Fantastic!”

Bogale has a BA from Asmara University in English Language & Literature, an MA from Addis Ababa University, and a postgraduate diploma in education from Indira Gandhi University. He has worked at Asmara University for about 20 years, primarily in teaching and administrative capacities. He took a sabbatical leave in order to work as Country Director for SOA, a position he started in January 2011 and said he is thoroughly enjoying so far.