Children are the future leaders, engineers, doctors, teachers, and innovators of our society. To cultivate these future leaders, it is crucial for them to understand their culture and identity, which largely depends on the support they receive from families or guardians. However, for many diaspora children living in unfamiliar cultures far from their parents’ homeland, this connection can be challenging to maintain. The experience of numerous Ethiopian diaspora community children highlights their struggles with the language and culture of their host countries, often leaving them feeling disconnected from their roots. Recently, an Ethiopian-born diaspora figure, Solomon Leta, has proposed a groundbreaking strategy aimed at addressing this cultural gap and empowering Ethiopian children to embrace local language at the early age by developing Amharic Fidel, a toy that let children to know Amharic alphabets. The Ethiopian Herald had contacted him online to know more about his innovation and what benefits it will bring to diaspora children and others. Enjoy your reading:
Can you tell us your name and current position?
My name is Solomon Leta, and I was born in Ethiopia. I have lived in the UK for over two decades. I studied my first degree in Marketing Management from Middlesex University, earned an MA in Development Economics from Kingston University, and an MA in International Marketing from Ulster University. Currently, I live in London and work at Gauselmann Group UK, while also managing some property portfolios in London.
Can you tell us about your innovation and how the idea came to you?
The idea came from the challenges I faced while teaching my children the Amharic Fidel (alphabet) using traditional methods. Last Christmas, I bought them a card reader toy designed to teach basic English words, which inspired me to create something similar for teaching the Amharic Fidel Incorporating over 234 characters was challenging, but I found a way by utilizing both sides of the cards. After adding newly programmed sound devices, my children started learning the Fidels effortlessly. Encouraged by their progress and positive feedback from family, I decided to develop the product for other children in the diaspora.
What exactly is this innovation? How does it work?
The Fidel Toy is an audible electronic flashcard reader toy that helps children learn the Amharic alphabet without the need for a teacher. Each letter is encoded on a corresponding card, and when inserted into the reader, the device pronounces the letter aloud. This makes learning both interactive and fun for children.
How user-friendly is your innovation, particularly for Ethiopian diaspora families?
The toy is very user-friendly. Children only need to switch on the reader, insert the flashcards, and the device reads out the letters. This is ideal for parents who may not have time for traditional teaching and helps reduce children’s screen time, which can be detrimental to their development.
How does your innovation relate to Ethiopia’s ancient alphabet?
This toy is a modern take on Ethiopia’s ancient alphabet, which has progressed from inscriptions on stone to parchment (Brana) and printed books. Now, the Fidel is accessible as a toy, making it fun and engaging for children to learn.
Do you think your innovation will help people outside Ethiopia learn more about the country?
Absolutely!! This toy will not only teach children in the diaspora the Amharic Fidel but also strengthen their connection to Ethiopia and its rich heritage. Learning the Fidel will help children feel more connected to their cultural identity as they grow.
There are attempts to integrate Ethiopian alphabets with digital technologies. What makes your innovation unique?
What sets my innovation apart is that it’s a physical toy rather than a digital app or software. It’s the first hands-on, interactive product specifically designed to teach the Amharic alphabet in a playful and engaging way.
Are there any additional points you’d like to share with our readers?
The Amharic alphabet has a long and rich history, from being inscribed on stone to written on parchment and later printed in books. My toy takes this script into the modern age as an interactive learning tool that makes it easier and more enjoyable for children to learn. This is the first toy ever developed to teach the Fidel a script that remains one of the few written languages in continuous use today.
I am incredibly proud of this innovation and believe it will benefit children both in the diaspora and in Ethiopia. This is just the beginning—I’ve also developed other electronic and physical toys that celebrate Ethiopian culture, heritage, and daily traditions. I hope to release them soon, so children in the diaspora can connect with their roots and immerse themselves in their cultural heritage through play.
BY LEULSEGED WORKU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2024
