Lemlem is an enginner who works in Beira
I’m in the UK at the moment, helping CAFOD promote the ‘Thirst for change’ campaign which calls on David Cameron to end water poverty. It’s an issue that’s close to my heart. That’s why I’m here – because I want to make a difference.
I grew up in Mekelle, a town in northern Ethiopia. I used to fetch water each day but I was lucky: the nearest pump was close by. Back then, I didn’t realise how far people in rural Ethiopia were walking to get water from open streams and rivers.
In Beira, I designed a reservoir to help families get water quickly and easily. At the moment, I’m overseeing a project to extend concrete water channels which will ensure water flows from the reservoir and up the valley, reaching many more households.
Local people are very involved in this work. They are helping to excavate the land and fill it with a mix of rock, sand and concrete to stop the water leaking away.
I’m here to tell people about this work and explain the amazing differences that can happen when people get access to clean water.
Alem’s college course falls through
Alem says she feels like 'giving up' on her dreams to go on to further education
Recently, we told you Alem had left Beira to study at college in Mekelle. Sadly, this opportunity has fallen through. We asked Martha, who works for our partner ADCS, to find out what went wrong.
Martha: How long were you at college before you had to leave?
Alem: Almost four months.
Martha: Can you explain what happened?
Alem: It’s complicated. Some teachers were fired by the director of the college and replaced with new teachers who were related to the director. Some students complained about favouritism.
Meanwhile, the old teachers told us we weren’t qualified to be on the course anyway because we had not achieved enough points in our school exams. Ultimately, we would not be allowed to graduate, so what’s the point?
The college decided to repay our student fees students and send us home.
Martha: What did you feel at that time?
Alem: It was like a nightmare. I could not believe it. I still feel very up and down. When this opportunity came up it brightened my life and gave me hope but it’s ended on a down note. What bad fortune.
Martha: How do you plan to continue your education?
Alem: I will not be able to continue. That is the stand I have now.
Martha: (I tried to give Alem advice so she was not totally discouraged. And I told her that many people who are at higher level of education now, reached that level after going through a lot of ups and downs.)
Martha: Did you return to Beira immediately?
Alem: No, I began thinking that I should never return home. I know that people would talk. I hate that. In the end, my elder brother, who lives in Saudi Arabia, called me and promised to take me out there with him if I returned to Beira.
Martha: How do you feel about going? Have you heard stories about how difficult it can be there?
Alem: Yes, I know people who are having a difficult time there, but I really hate being in Beira because there are no opportunities for me here. I’ve heard there are more jobs for women in the Arab countries.
Martha: Would you stay in Ethiopia if you could get a job?
Alem: Yes, I even tried to apply for a cleaner position in one institution in Mekelle, but I did not qualify – they wanted someone with the highest exam marks.
.Martha: (I ended my conversation with Alem by giving her advice. I reminded her that life is not always smooth, and even people in Europe have problems. You have to thank to God for being healthy and for your family. And we both agreed to talk frequently. I will share more news about her, when I hear it.)
Alem moves to Mekelle!
Alem is excited about the future
I didn’t make it to university because I got 1.9 in my exams and the pass mark is 2.00.
Almost all of my class failed – I was shocked to find out only 40 passed out of 300 students.
I went home and could not stop crying. I thought my chance for an education had gone.
A few days later, an institution from Mekelle (a city in northern Ethiopia) came to Beira and said there was an exciting opportunity for students who had scored 1.8 and above.
My cousin, Abeba, and I registered to study with them in Mekelle. We were given a list of courses to choose from.
I went for a water supplies course because I know it will help me support my friends in Beira. It also seems to offer good job opportunities after graduation.
At first, I thought we are going to be in campus but later we found out we needed our own place. That was a challenge because we don’t have money but we refused to give up. We are determined to get an education, no matter what.
Abeba’s brother lives in Mekelle with his wife so we stayed with them for a while. Then we found a small place to rent not far from her brother’s house. He and his wife come and see us almost every day.
We pay 250 birr a month (about £9). Our parents cover the rent and send us a little pocket money.
I felt so sad when I didn’t get a pass mark. But now my hope for my future has been revived.
Happy New Year Biera!
Injera and wat, a colourful dish!
On September 11 our friends in Biera will celebrate Enkutatash, the Ethiopian New Year.
Enkutatash, which means ‘gift of jewels’ in Amharic, derives from the story of the Queen of Sheba returning from visiting King Solomon in Jerusalem, according to popular legend. When the queen arrived, she was greeted by her Ethiopian chiefs with enku, jewels. The joyful holiday has supposedly been celebrated since this time, marked by dancing and singing.
Enkutatash is a festive occasion. After attending church in the morning, families gather to share a traditional meal of injera (flat bread) and wat (stew). Later, they will visit friends to sing, dance and swap small gifts.
Local farmer Gabre prepares his land for planting
In Beira, we usually have a short rainy season which starts in February. But this year, the rains didn’t come when they were expected.
Everyone has been praying for rain since February. The people were coming to me and asking me to pray for rain. Our prayer has reached God – It started to rain yesterday. It is also raining today. God has listened to the longing of the animals and the people.
Biera people love to see their land looking green and lush, even more than seeing a fresh meal on the table. They say just looking at a lush farm makes their stomach full. We are so happy that our prayers have been answered.
NOTE: Short and moderate rains from February to May are known as the little rains or belg, and correspond to Ethiopia’s secondary harvest season for the northern highland areas. These rains are very important to:
- Plant short-cycle crops such as wheat, barley, teff, and pulses which are harvested in June or July.
- Plant long-cycle cereal crops such as corn, sorghum and millet which are harvested during the meher season.
Counting the days till Tesfay comes home
Mihret makes coffee at home
Tesfay’s wife, Mihret, writes…
It feels like Tesfay’s been away forever. He went to Saudi Arab illegally; he passed many places on foot during the night and crossed the Red Sea by boat. He plans to stay for three years to work hard and save up money for our family.
As you know, we do not have any land. When Tesfay comes back we want to buy land and build a house in Adi Kelebes (a small town near Biera that has electricity). After that we can open a shop.
I felt really sad when Tesfay left. I asked him not to go but he had made up his mind. It was difficult for me to accept. I was the only one who knew – he didn’t even tell his parents because he knew they wouldn’t approve. I felt sad because he is the one person I share all of my problems and challenges with. And I know that all the responsibilities of home, farming and childcare will fall on me.
I have spoken to Tesfay once since he went away. His brother’s lives in Adi Kelebes, where there is mobile reception, and he arranged a suitable time for me to go there and borrow his phone.
Life is not easy without Tesfay. At the moment, I am working five days a week on ‘Safety Net’ a compulsory government work programme. It’s hard to work full time and care for our children and livestock.
I am counting the days until Tesfay comes home. I hope and pray his work in Saudi Arabia will lead to a good life for our family.
Church robbery
I am sad to report that thieves broke into my church a few months ago. They broke down two big wooden doors and stole the host and chalice.
Thieves broke down these doors during the break in
They even tried to enter again the following night. So I had to hire a night guard for 300 birr (£10) a month and I am waiting for new doors.
I hope they arrive before the feast known as ‘Paraclate’ which we celebrate 50 days after Easter.
A new business or a new country for Tesfay?
Tesfay with his baby
Recently, my brother and I have worked together to build a small house on my parents’ land. We worked by hand and it took us 10 days to complete.
A new cow for Hagos
Hagos with some of his herd
Hagos Gebremichael writes:
I have a new addition to my herd – a hybrid cow which I bought recently. She is very docile and we can milk her without tying her up. She just gave birth to a female calf and I felt really lucky. The milk and butter is very much appreciated by my family.
A good start to 2011
Hagos on his farm
Hagos Gebremichael writes:
This time last year there was extreme drought and the harvest was badly affected. This year, the rain has been kind and our harvests have improved. I have carrot ready for sale and I have also sown barley, onion and cabbage. We get lots of frost this time in the year, so I chose onion and cabbage since they tolerate frost. I am expecting more money from the farm this year.
