MerKato

It was a different day today - we had a chance to tour MerKato.

It is one of the largest open air markets in the world, absolutely unbelievable - it stretches for miles and miles!

In the afternoon, they had an exhibition at SSCM explaining their vocational programs. SSCM teaches students metal work, wood work, crafts and hair dressing.

When students complete these programs they can find employment, and support their entire families.

SSCM Student's handiwork.

And, of course, coffee ceremony was part of the exhibition.

Kid's Hope Kality Center

Thursday, Feb 21

Today we went to the Kid's Hope Education Center in Kality - another sub-city of Addis Ababa.

This Center has younger children, about 5-9 years old.

Kality Education Center

A student at Kality Education Center

We completed medical assessments, and gave our presentation to the children

The artificial snow was quite a hit! The kids were fascinated.

Ken managed to persuade a  3 year old boy to try the Merry-go-round by explaining "It'll be fun!"

And he believed him.

In turn, afterwards, the young boy pushed Ken around the Merry-go-round for a while!

More Medicals and Interviews!

Wednesday, Feb 20

We again assisted with medical assessments at SSCM and Alemgena, filling out intake forms, helping give out glasses, taking blood pressures!

We are working long, intense days here; 12-14 hours, trying to accomplish as much as possible in the time available!

In the afternoon, Ken assisted David with interviews with the Scholarship Students - those students enrolled at the Education Centers who have moved on to vocational or post-secondary schooling.

One young man, age 20, is now in first year University. The students selected for enrollment at the Kid's Hope Education Centers are chosen because they are in most severe poverty. When asked about his poverty and entrance to the program he said, "I am not poor now. If you have hope, you are not poor."

This young man is a case in point of what Canadian Humanitarian is attempting to accomplish.

Presentation at Guelele

 Our 2nd Day started with the morning and lunch at SSCM. 

Then we traveled to the Kid's Hope Education Center in Guelele to again give our presentation about the Chain Reaction Ride.  Many of the children here remember Vern from a previous expedition he came with. They call him Otto Asmat - translation "Mr Magic", because he performed magic tricks for them.

Each Education Center has student clubs for the children - the students at Guelele love their reading, music and circus/acrobatics clubs!

The Music Program at Guelele

Fun part of the presentation - try out the bike!

Magic, artificial snow we brought along that the children loved!

Two of the students at Guelele.

Medicals at SSCM

We are in a whole different time here - Ethiopia uses a different calendar. Right now, it is the 7th month of 2005, and the world is completely unlike what we know at home.

On our second day of work (Tuesday, Feb 19 by western calendars) we traveled to SSCM, the vocational college here which has formed a partnership with Canadian Humanitarian. 

We completed intake questionnaires, and also took blood pressures and did some glucose testing.

Lunch with our interpreters/translators at SSCM

Ken with Bekele, the coordinator at SSCM

I wear my Sunglassses!

Our first day at Alemgena was a busy one! We completed medical assessments, filled out health questionnaires, took weights and heights - with the help of our irreplaceable translators!

We dispensed eyeglasses and sunglasses to both young and old.

As you can see, all were very thankful!

Many people in Ethiopia have very irritated eyes from the dust and pollution, and the constant bright sunshine can be hard on your eyes as well. A simple and fairly effective solution is to wear sunglasses.

Makes a bright day even better!

Ken's Corner - Alemgena Education Center

Our first day at work was at the Kid's Hope Education Center in Alemgena - a sub-city of Addis Ababa.

This is the building being used as the Education Center here in Alemgena.

We made some new friends!  And as you can see, boys will be boys the world over.

This was lunch - one hot meal is served at the Education Center every day.

We gave a presentation on the Chain Reaction bike Ride; explained how Vern Hyde had a dream and he set a goal to cross Canada and build a school in Ethiopia. That three couples, ourselves, Vern and Dena Hyde, and Mark and Nola Bishop had completed the ride across Canada.

We talked about setting goals and working hard. The funnest part of the presentation was trying to ride the bike!

Ken's Corner - Ethiopia At Last!

We have arrived safely in Ethiopia!

The Weygoss Guest House - our home while in Addis.  Our rooms  here are basic, but very comfortable.

And here we are sorting through all the donations and pharmaceuticals as we prepare to visit some of Canadian Humanitarian's Education Centers.

Deb's Mom knitted 70 children's sweaters for this trip!

Ken's Corner - Mid-Trip Stopover

We made it to London! The long flight was not quite as bad as you might think - our flight on the way to London had lots of empty seats, so we were able to stretch out.

 We had a few hours lay-over here, and were able to go touring.

Saw some wonderful sights!  Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, rosy cheeked little children.

We think we might have to return to see some more one day!