The first goal of Awadeshalo project is to fund a research trip to Ethiopia. Once there, I will learn how to work towards enhancing the lives of street children through love, compassion, and education while embracing environmentally and culturally sustainable practices. Of particular interest is a way to use community garden space for therapy and rehabilitation of street children.
The project will be located in Bahir Dar, one of the larger cities in the north of Ethiopia, with an increasing number of children living on the streets. The town is situated on Lake Tana, the final destination of the Blue Nile. From Bahir Dar there is a view of historic monestaries on the opposite shore.
I’ve been receiving advice from Rachelle Strawther, a woman doing non-profit work in Kenya. Her strong suggestion was to travel to Ethiopia to gather more firsthand information. My plan is to return in the winter of 2009 and spend time
volunteering at various agencies in Bahir Dar, connecting with community members, and listen to the children, the families, the women and men, to hear where resources will be most helpful and best utilized.
Perhaps there are already grassroots organizations doing wonderful work,
simply needing increased funding to expand services to a broader base of children.
Optimally, I can make connections with organizations such as these, and keep the project sustainable within Ethiopia.
