Mention Ethiopia and most people immediately start humming the multi-platinum song “We Are the World” (written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie) and thinking about the millions of dollars of aid raised for famine relief back in the mid-80’s through this musical effort. (Actually, this song is still raising money: to date it has raised around 60+ million dollars for humanitarian aid in Africa and the US.) To this day, at least to most Westerners, Ethiopia is synonymous with Poverty.
When “We Are the World” took place, Ethiopia’s population was around 40 million. Today it is 80 million, with around 10 million of these people dependent on foreign food aid. One disaster—a drought, a flood, or an earthquake—could easily increase this number exponentially. And to make matters even worse, over the last 20 years Western aid to Ethiopia has dropped by 70% … or more.
As you read this report or hear of people suffering in Ethiopia, or anywhere else in the world, for that matter, you think to yourself, “How sad. People are suffering and dying.” But it’s not people that are suffering: it is 4-year old Hadese.
Thinking in terms of People, rather than thinking of Individuals, disassociates us somewhat from the personal. “People” are an “It,” whereas Individuals have hearts, minds, and stomachs … just like you and I.
Four years ago, when we began working here in Angatcha (population: 260,000), there were 50,000 people just like Hadese who were starving. Today, after dispersing 200 tons of food aid over those 4 years, that number is a little over 700.
The Sebata Girls Home is finally fully up and running ... and what an amazing family of girls! They have been found wondering the streets, sleeping under trees or dropped off by gov't officials who know the girl will be cared for, educated, counseled, prayed with, and taught skills for her future.
Many of these girls do not know their names, if they ever had one, so the staff chooses one for them: a name that fits their personality. This is Gifty. And, yes, after only a short time with her, I can tell you, she is a Gift. Just being around her makes your heart smile.
This work is difficult. Thousands of miles of travel, lousy conditions on the ground, and constant interaction with suffering people takes its toll, so you have to learn to lighten up every chance you get. Psychological hernias may appear worthy of martyrdom status, but they only leave you incapable of truly serving the INDIVIDUALS you came to help.
Copyright, Monte E Wilson, 2010
5 comments:
I am Ethiopian, as we know now the current government used the aid money to buy weapons while young childrens starving to death. The west are harming the Ethiopian people by not controlling the aid that they give. The best solution will be to have a democratically elected government who cares about the people.
I totally agree! When a Gov't insists on owning all the land--no deeds, no private property--you know that you are dealing with people who do NOT care for the well-being, the freedom, or the prosperity of it's own people.
Hi Monte! Thanks for this piece. No emotional frills, no shrill manipulation, no teary appeals.
Plain statements of facts. BUT you tug and tag hearts and stir people to action.
Bless you my dear friend. Bless your work for the needy world.
Other Faces of Ethiopia, other than Poverty:
This empire was founded on the relationship between the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon
Christian culture there pre-dates the Reformation in Western Europe
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has its own Patriarch
Its coffee is far superior to what we get at Starbucks!
Jovie of the Philippines! Great to hear from you, as always. Thank you, for the encouraging words.
Post a Comment