A few months back, the secretary and treasurer of our non-profit, SEDC got a chance to visit to Ethiopia. The visit, which occurred from the second week of May towards the end of June was aimed at delivering another round of donation supplies for deaf children at a different part of the country and expanding our reach.
Support for Ethiopian Deaf Community is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of deaf individuals in Ethiopia. The organization focuses on providing educational resources, information accessibility, and community support to enhance the well-being of the Ethiopian deaf community and Especially the Deaf children in Ethiopia.
SEDC was already aware that there has been ongoing security concern, instability, and threats to travelers in the northern region and the donation supplies intended for the Amhara region in Ethiopia were securely stored in the office of our partner organization named Deaf Development and Information Association (DDIA) in central location in Ethiopia. These supplies will remain safely stored until conditions in the region allow safe access. The organization is actively following up the situation and will take all necessary steps to ensure the safe delivery of these supplies when circumstances allow.
Our secretary and treasurer was able to meet with Mekdes Habtamu who is a high school teacher and chairman of a local nonprofit organization in Ethiopia. Mekdes is a designated individual who is responsible for delivering the donated school supplies to the school in Amhara region. Once the current unrest in the country resolves, Mekdes will proceed with delivering the items to the promised school.
While the visit did not go as planned due to security concerns and active fighting in the Amhara regional state of Ethiopia, “Support for Ethiopian Deaf Community” remains steadfast in its commitment to providing assistance to those in need. The safety and well-being of the Secretary and all involved remain the top priority, and the organization will adapt its strategies as necessary to fulfill its mission.
(Photo description: SEDC Secretary, Afomeya Mekonnen and Mekdes habtamu at DDIA office in Addis Ababa)
To our generous donors, we express our sincere gratitude for your understanding and continued support as we work together to make a positive impact on the lives of deaf children in Ethiopia.