October 2022 newsletter

What a fabulous night we had in Aston Gate on the 6th October Thank you to all who came, took part, donated or worked in the background to make it possible. What a wonderful way to also celebrate the fact that ,as a charity ,we are now 18 years old! A special thank you to The Ambling Band and Down for the Count for the terrific musicians, dancers and the two vocalists who were superb.A night to remember for a long time. We also want to thank Myles Wickstead the former UK Ambassador to Ethiopia who attended with his family. It was such an honour to have him with us.
We are just waiting for final confirmation of total money raised. If you still owe the auction company any money this is a polite reminder to get in touch asap. 

• We are delighted to announce that permission has been given to commence the second girls education building, Prudence House. Work to build the perimeter wall and secure the site will commence shortly. 
• Work has also begun at the Ejere Health Clinic to bring the new building up to standard to allow operations to be performed by an obstetrician. At present over 200 mothers are transferred to Addis Ababa for emergency treatment each year. This unit  will save  lives .
• With the arrival of a mains water supply along the only tracked road, connection of the Ifra Beri Primary school to this pipeline has begun. This will enable all staff and children to use a dedicated hand washing facility which will further improve sanitation.
• The current year 12 scholarship girls have gone with their peer group and a teacher to a University near Addis Ababa to sit their national exams. This is a new initiative introduced by the Education board. 
• All of the hardship pupils and disabled students have received their new uniforms, soap, underwear and stationary for the year ahead. We were also able to give  T-shirts  able to  to the hardship students and a school bag to the  children with disabilities. 

Last year, as we could not go to Addis Ababa, we did a virtual  Great Ethiopian Run on Bristol Downs, with the authentic Ethiopian running shirt, and the authentic medals!
One day, we will get back to Addis, but if you would like to do the run with us in Bristol, we have a limited number of places. (10 ) To cover the expenses, the fee will be only £25. For that, you will receive the running shirt and the genuine medal ,but we would be delighted if you felt able to donate  – or raise sponsorship.
Ameseginalehu – Thank you!
If you are interested, please contact Sue Thomas directly  [email protected].