EFSAF was formed as a company limited by Guarantee in May 2007 (Registered No 6260761). The prime objective of the Fund is to provide assistance in cash and kind to female students at Addis Ababa University and other Ethiopian universities. The main selection criterion is that the students original home is situated outside of the Addis Ababa Municipality. Ethiopia is a huge country with restricted communications and many students are effectively deprived of the support of their families during the period of their studies. Although the Government pays for tuition and provides accommodation and food, the students experience difficulty in funding essential outlays such as soap and stationery. The charity recognises the particular vulnerability of girl students.