Ethiopia News 22.12.2021

We have finally registered all the children. We now have 4 children with disabilities in the project. Two autistic children, who were newly registered, and Besufikat, who cannot walk due to a shortened leg and is therefore in a wheelchair.

Mellie's work permit has not really progressed since we have been away. The offices still wanted various papers that were never talked about before and so the process has been slowed down considerably. We are still waiting for confirmation from one office. The main financial office is just getting in the way on this and wants some weird letters from other offices. It all makes no sense.

The situation in the country seems to have "improved" a bit. The government has pushed back rebels and for the time being the prime minister is back in Addis. This whole situation is really difficult and hard to understand. We suspect that primarily Western powers are also exerting power here (for whatever reason) and pursuing their goals. Ethiopia has strongly resisted this until today and also makes propaganda against these powers. Ethiopia was never colonized and is very proud of it. Things that work in other African countries most likely do not work here.

All last week we had a training for our 66 mothers on small business. The training was conducted by us and delivered by Nunyat, the new project manager. There was wonderful feedback from the mothers. They were encouraged, learned many new things and are very grateful for the time. We had different sessions such as: gaining practical skills, creativity in crafts, how entrepreneurs invest, and a time where successful small business owners shared their experiences with questions and discussion groups.
 
And now we wish you a Merry, Blessed and Restful Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to the next year with you. Thank you so much for your friendship, partnership with the work and support in every way! We are extremely grateful for it!