Newsletters from Ethiopia

The stelae in Axum, the hewn Churches in Lallibela and the palace of Fasiledus in Gonder are some, among many, that could witness ancient civilizations in Ethiopia. It was really long before Christ that the use of stones for monuments and other incredible purposes was started in this country. These could attest that Ethiopia is one of the countries in the world from which ancient civilization had begun.

Ethiopia has often been called the origin of human kind due to various hominid fossil discoveries like the Australopithecine Lucy. North eastern Africa, and the Afar region in particular was the central focus of these claims until recent DNA evidence suggested origins in south central Ethiopian regions; like present-day Addis Ababa (Finfine). After analyzing the DNA of almost 1,000 people around the world, geneticists and other scientists claimed humans spread from what is now Addis Ababa 100,000 years ago. The research indicated that genetic diversity declines steadily the farther one's ancestors traveled from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which is roughly the site of the exit turnstile for the "out-of-Africa" migration.

The social event was an ‘intercultural day’, where volunteers from different countries had a chance to meet, laugh and exchange experiences, ideas and traditions. We sat around the table and talked about Ethiopian culture and cultures in different countries. Then we had a traditional coffee ceremony, while listening to Amharic music. Everyone sat around the table and talked, while the coffee beans were being roasted in a pan and the fress aroma of coffee spread across the room. The coffee beans are ground up before being brewed in a traditional ‘jabena’ and then served in small cups.

The Ethiopian Christmas known as Ganna or Ledet falls on December 29 of the Ethiopian calendar (January 7 Gregorian calendar). Ledet (Christmas) is celebrated after 43 of days fasting known as Tsome Gahad (Advent), with a spectacular procession, which begins at 6 AM and lasts until 9 AM. After the mass service, people go home to break the fast with the meat of chicken or lamb or beef accompanied with injera and the traditional drinks (i.e. tella or tej).

New Teaching Placement: Lemlem School KG and Primary School. The school was established in 1996 with an area 1150 square metres at Woreda 12, Kebele12, Addis Abeba, Ethiopia. The school has 10 classrooms, a staff room, library, kitchen and toilet. The school is rendering educational service at a minimum fee for the nearby community.

North of the city of Addis Ababa are the Entoto mountains, on the Oromia Region, the site of Menilik's former capital who was the king of Ethiopia at the end of the 19th century. A very nice place just minutes away without leaving the city. There is a terrific but windy panoramic view of the city from there. The eucalyptus forests cover the view around the hills. Near the summit is the octagonal Entoto Maryam (St. Mary) church which hosted Menilik's coronation in 1882.

Ethiopia is a famously poor country, with a high incidence of disease, high levels of HIV, and prone to natural disasters. As a result of these factors, many children in Ethiopia are left without their parents, and while some may be able to seek refuge with their extended families, many end up on the streets or are taken in by a care home. One thing’s for sure, wherever you work here, the affection and fun you bring to the children’s lives will be something they will remember forever.