Melkam Addis Amet!
Otherwise known as “Happy New Year” in Amharic. September 11th marks the new year of 2014 for Ethiopia. There is normally a celebration called Enkutash to bring in the new year (Ethiopia follows the Julian calendar.) Enkutash means “gift of jewels” and may be related to the Queen of Sheba returning from King Solomon with jewels or the carpet of bright yellow flowers (Adey Abeba pictured above) which flower as a result of the rainy season prior to harvest time. We are hopeful that 2014 will be a better year for all the people of Ethiopia.
The rainy season has been in the Ejere region, and the Grade 12 girls at Toby’s house are working hard to prepare for their high school matric examination. The rest of the students will return after the new year.
Many of you have expressed concern about the ongoing situation in Ethiopia. Thank you so much for your messages. It has been a tense time for many. To date none of the projects we support have been affected, however two of our former scholarship girls are at University close to areas of conflict. Our partner organisation is continuing to monitor the situation.
Happy 80th Birthday to the wonderful and ever active Ros Bennett. Ros recently completed a challenge in a narrow boat called Dingiswayo, raising money for the plumbing at the new Prudence house hostel raising over £2000. We cant wait for your next adventure Ros.
Cotham Hill Street Party
Finally a real live in person event where we can meet up outside and see each other again! We are delighted to announce that we will have a stand at the Cotham Hill street party in Bristol on the afternoon of Sunday 12th September.Please do come and say hello as its been so long since we have seen you all. We will have a mix of treats for children, adults and canine supporters. If you have been missing Ethiopian coffee come and grab a chat, we will be in the usual location opposite the laundrette on Cotham Hill.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Unfortunately Virgin money giving for charities is going to close at the end of November. If you give monthly via virgin giving we will be in touch with details of how to transfer to the new system as soon as possible.
For the organised among you...Christmas!
Christmas is coming (for all those organised folk among us), and we are delighted to reveal our new Christmas card designed by Sally Stanley exclusively for For-ethiopia inspired by the churches in Lalibela. Packs of 10 cards are available for £5. Postage and packaging is £2.00 for one pack and £3.50 for up to 8 packs. Please contact Sue at suethomas@for-ethiopia.com
Virtual Great Ethiopian Run
The virtual Great Ethiopian Run is happening on the 14th November. We have organised a group administrative rate of £20 per participant which includes a signed t-shirt by Haile Gebrselassie and a finishers medal. We hope to have participants running wherever you are in the the UK / Ireland taking part to raise money for our new girls tertiary education support. We are looking for a minimum sponsorship of £220 for each participant which will cover one years support for one girl at University. Contact ally at adminsitrator@for-ethiopia.com for more details to join up. We will also be offering a couch to 10k support group via Facebook and the option of running with others in Bristol on the day itself.
The Big Give
We have applied to be part of The big Give Christmas appeal. In order to secure match funding from a champion pledger we need to raise £3,000 during the week beginning 30th November 2021.We are giving advance notice of this now to so that If you are planning to support us during the Christmas period can you please donate via the big give campaign. Further information will be available in the next few weeks.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of our long time supporters Jean Douglas. Jean who was a professional accountant offered her services for free as our independent examiner and was a huge help in getting our accounts in order when the charity first started. We wish to pass on our condolences to all the family. She will be much missed.
Ethiopian proverb
Love and a cup of coffee taste best when hot.
