Trip to Axum October 22nd – 26th 2010 by Suzanne Ness
I am so excited to be writing about my second trip to Axum with Karen and the Axum Africa Educational Project. Below is a summary of our short but very productive trip to this fascinating place. time was Dr. George Lafontaine and joining us for the first time, his wife Dr. Angela Bonang, both dentists taking time away from their practice in Canada to help out. We were also happy to have with us Natalie Chetcuti, who was travelling to Ethiopia for her first time as well. I was very lucky to have Nancy Clarke as my roommate again, and of course Pat & Karen Spiteri rounded out the team for this trip. Arrival in Axum
Returning for the 3rd
We arrived at about 9:00am on Saturday in Axum, dropped our bags off at the hotel and headed for the Saturday markets. I was overwhelmed by the number of vendors and the variety of goods brought to this market, but mostly the general happy disposition I noticed between the vendors and the buyers. Everything was being traded from small bits of grain or spice, tissue paper and matches to goats, sheep and fowl. It was a very busy place, and truly something for the eye to behold!
Later that day we visited the salon that was set up by some generous donations from Axum Africa sponsors for two young ladies from the orphanage. The salon is doing well enough to support itself and Karen brought along some donated beauty kits, nail polish, hair clips etc for the girls to use. It’s great to see the project helping these ladies get this business off the ground and become more self-sufficient.
Meeting at the beauty salon
Orphanage
Visiting the orphanage is a real highlight for me. It was heart warming to see all those familiar faces again and for the children to be so excited to see us. We had a chance to mingle, get to know them again and, of course see the new kitchen that is now complete! Thanks to this kitchen project, funded totally by Axum Africa, the cooks at the orphanage will have an airy, dry, open space in which to produce the meals for the children. Judging from their excitement and enthusiasm, they are very grateful. I noticed they were much more open and happy on this visit. Later in the week, we were guests of honour at the official ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the grand opening . The children played some music and sang for us as Karen cut the ribbon. It was very touching. The manager of the orphanage made a small speech and then presented each of us with a certificate of thanks for supporting the orphanage. Usually, The Project buys a meal of pasta with tomatoes, onions, garlic and spices to make a nutritious meal. This time though, we decided to also buy a couple of goats so they could have some meat for a change. Semere stopped on the street and purchased 2 goats from a vendor and yes, they joined us in the van!! We also handed out the donated clothing we brought with us from Dubai. All the children received something. Thank-you!!!
Outside the new kitchen.
Official ribbon cutting ceremony.
Fitting shoes and clothes or the orphanage children.
Drawing & Painting at the orphanage.
Goats for dinner.
Making a Difference...
The ‘emotional moment’ of the whole trip happened as we were taking George and Angela to visit their sponsored boy, Filimon. As we were approaching his home we noticed this little boy running as fast as he could behind the van. George turned to look, and racing at top speed was Filimon, chasing our van. We stopped and opened the van door for him, he climbed in and hugged Karen, then he turned to see George sitting on the seat...”George!!!!” he breathed with love and relief as he leapt into George’s arms. We all sat in total silence as we turned to jelly and soaked in the scene unfolding before us. There was not a dry eye in the van (nor is there now as I think of this most wonderful moment). We have all been talking about this moment since then, it made such an impact on all of us and really brings home the difference George and Angela are making in this boy’s life. It truly was an expression of love and gratitude from this little boy. To experience such a moment is a gift that I will treasure for the rest of my days...
George & Angela with Filimon (holding ball), and his adopted family.
Sabrina
Through the funds raised earlier this year, Sabrina went to Addis with Semere to visit a doctor and have some x-rays taken. Karen collected the x-rays and gave Sabrina some new clothes and shoes. Sabrina is still in school and Karen is hopeful she can arrange for a doctor in Dubai to look at the x-rays and provide some information about Sabrina’s condition and subsequent treatment. Her new home is much better and she is getting the support she needs to get back and forth to school.
Football Team
Next, it was off to the stadium to meet with the Mayor and the football team. Here they presented the team with new footballs and football clothing. Needless to say all was received with great enthusiasm! This was all made possible by the generous donations made by Axum Africa supporters.
Abreha wa Atsbeha School
The next day we visited the school in the morning. The children were waiting for us and singing their favourite song for us! “Hello...Hello” They are so gorgeous and enthusiastic. This is one part of the trip where my heart is bursting and my emotions run high. These children are so happy! One little boy stepped forward from the group and presented Karen with an old battered football and asked her if she had a spare ball they could use at the school. Of course one was quickly retrieved from the van and the boys had a new ball for the school. Soon Pat was surrounded by boys taking down all the requests for sporting equipment, he was a very popular guy!!! Karen presented the music teacher with donated recorders, which the kids and particularly the music teacher received with great enthusiasm. He immediately started to play a tune for the kids. This music teacher is such a lovely man, it is so wonderful that the project can provide him with some support for his work.
The group then had a tour of the school. There is a new Head Master and we were very happy to see some positive changes being made. They have opened up some of the rooms to make room for a computer lab and science lab. All that is missing is the equipment. This new Head Master seems very eager to implement improvements and work with Karen to help the children get the most out of their school. More fundraising will be needed to pay for the required equipment.
Being welcomed by the students 
Pat accepting requests :) 
Gymnastics group
Sponsored Students
Next we met with the children who are sponsored by the program. Karen met with each child. She talked to them briefly, gave them a bag with clothes, pens, paper etc and took their photo. It was so special to see all the mothers, aunties and grandmothers sitting with their children patiently waiting their turn. The women are such fun, laughing and hugging as they met with us! To see all these children (I think we met with close to 40) cleaned up, smiling and dressed in the best clothing they have to come see us is really something to experience. Good thing I had my sunglasses on and tissues in my pocket. Specifically I was able to meet the two boys that my family sponsors. It was a real treat for me to touch them, hug them and give them something special from my family. I loved meeting their mothers! It’s such a emotional thing to see these families are just like ours. Trying to have fun, make the most out of life and just generally being happy. It makes you just want to go home with them for a whole week and really get to know them... maybe one day.
Sponsored students patiently waiting
My second trip to Axum has really opened my eyes to how much of an impact this project is having on the families it supports and the community as a whole. Last trip we could hear children calling “Karen” or “Harego”, this time we heard “Nancy!” too, so we are leaving a lasting impression on this town and it’s residents. This project is not about handouts or a one-time donation, it is about commitment and longevity. As long as this project keeps receiving donations and through the hard work of Karen and Harego, it will continue to provide support and love to the children and families that are committed to also making their community a better place for everyone.
Thank you Karen and Harego for including me in this special project and for inviting me along to help out. In return I have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people. I come away from this trip with more than beautiful baskets, warm memories and photos to share. I take home with me the knowledge that people are people and children are children. And no matter where we live or what we achieve for ourselves, we all must give back in some way if we can. I for one know I will be giving back through this project for many, many years to come.
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