The sounds of my steps

By Tesfu Tilahun

There is an important and welcome development in Ethiopia that has not been given the attention it deserves. This is the budding activity being observed in individual and organized charitable work. We may be witnessing the emergence of a strong culture of philanthropy. Dedicated organizations, businesses, diplomatic missions, associations and individuals are performing commendable development work in and around Addis Ababa in a display of good corporate and public citizenship, all for the practical benefit of the disadvantaged.
These projects may be official or semi-formal and are usually inspired by personal initiatives acted upon by friends and others who see the light. Some are more poignant than others and in consideration of the wishes of those that are now departed. One such endeavor commemorated the memory of Doron Grossman (RIP), former Ambassador of Israel to Ethiopia. It was on the 30th day memorial of his passing that his grieving friends pledged themselves to building schoolrooms in his name for special-needs children in Bishoftu town, 42 kms south of Addis.
Less than two years later on Sunday May 13, 2007 three newly built special-needs classrooms were inaugurated in the presence of Guest of Honor His Holiness Abune Paulos, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Ambassadors, prominent CEOs and company representatives, members of the Rotary Club of Entoto and others who supported the cause in various ways.
The classrooms will accommodate 22 male and 23 female hearing impaired and mentally challenged children. The school rooms have been built within an existing school selected to host the special-needs classrooms as its campus is where the late Ambassador Doron Grossman had personally launched the Israel Forest project in August 2004. It is to be recalled that over 4000 tree lings were planted after Israel forest was inaugurated by President Girma Wolde Giorgis.
Dr. Amakelech Teferi, addressing the large and distinguished gathering spoke on behalf of the friends of Doron, all of whom have availed themselves well in fulfilling their promise.
“In the name of all the organizers and the beneficiaries, I would like to say that we are extremely grateful to you all for giving up your Sunday morning and traveling all the way here for the benefit of this charitable work. It means a lot to us.”
Dr. Amakelech went on to explain how the idea was conceived, “We thought that building these classrooms here in Bishoftu and naming them after Doron would be a fitting tribute of his love for children regardless of the difficult challenges they may suffer from.”
The Doron Grossman special-needs classrooms project was funded by the Teferi Djemaneh family and was designed by Graciella Vakart and Enat Danielli, both from the Embassy of Israel. Classroom equipment and furnishings were supplied by various individuals and organizations including Rotary Club of Addis Ababa Entoto, Moenco, and BGI.
Also mentioned was Rotarian Diego Sanchez of whom said Dr. Amakeletch, “I would like to convey a special thank you to Diego without whom this project would not have been successful. He has turned a simple memorial classroom construction project into an event of great interest to people from different origins and backgrounds.”
Diego Sanchez was instrumental in promoting, publicizing and mobilizing efforts not only in the construction of the classrooms but also on the fund raising event.
The special-needs classrooms are perhaps unique in the fact that such facilities are not found in most regular schools. Incorporating such specially designed classrooms within ordinary schools has significant advantages. Speaking on this point Dr. Amakelech stated, “We believe that giving the opportunity for these physically and/or mentally challenged children to be schooled in an improved environment will help change attitudes and (false) stereotypes and teach other children about diversity and foster common respect along with creating awareness of disability issues.”
The inauguration ceremony included a brunch buffet prepared by Djemaneh Teferi and friends from La Parisienne. The gathering also had the pleasure of a recital by renowned French author Jean-Claude Gilbert of a poem composed and dedicated to Doron Grossman on behalf of all his friends.
Dr Amakelech reserved special praise for her aunt, W/o Achamyelesh Tadele who supervised the construction work, and also for the former and current headmasters of the school, both named Mesfin, for their co-operation and willingness to host the classrooms in their school.
The highlight of the multifunction inaugural event was a 4 km fund raiser walk. This well attended fun filled and successful affair on a not too hot Sunday morning managed to raise a handsome sum.
Up to 500 participants huffed and puffed along a circuit that took a cynic route around a nearby hill. Bottled water was freely available along the hiking trail. Ambassadors, other diplomats, Rotarians, Rotaractors, expatriates - many with their families, students, and other cheerful participants made the 4 km walk highly enjoyable.
The funds raised from the walk were augmented by proceeds from the sale of Israeli literature translated into English and French. 100 tree-lings were also planted on the occasion in symbolic, yet practical commemoration.