Abel Tesfaye, a.k.a. the Weeknd, has donated $50,000 to help establish an Ethiopic studies program at the University of Toronto, the Toronto Star reports. The Toronto-born singer is the son of Ethiopian immigrants. According to the Star, money will go towards a course on Ge’ez, the ancient language of Ethiopia that’s sometimes referred to as Ethiopic.
The new program is a partnership between the university and the Bikila Award, a community organization named after Olympic marathoner Abebe Bikila. The organization first reached out to the public for help raising its $50,000 contribution, before Tesfaye surprised them by offering the full amount.
The Weeknd tweeted about the new program, including a link for fans to offer additional donations.
1 – sharing our brilliant and ancient history of Ethiopia. proud to support the studies in our homie town through @UofT and @bikilaaward
— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) 6 août 2016
2 Link to more info: https://t.co/dOzbJ3LVZp
Link to donate:https://t.co/QcK4zR5e2b
— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) 6 août 2016
