BY EPHREM ANDRGACHEW
Eight year-old Ben Root, who lives in Germany, receives five Euros monthly pocket money. During the last ten months, he saved the pocket money and bought 50 Euros bond for the construction of the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The initiatives and the aspiration of Ben have attracted great deal of attention both in Ethiopia and among the diaspora communities in various corners. Although he is not the first child to purchase bond, his intention and commitment needs acknowledgment and big applauding.
Cognizant of that, Ethiopian diaspora kids regardless of age, wealth, educational background, occupation, race, distance, location of where they live and so on are highly committed to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Ethiopian diaspora children are also contributing to the construction of the dam. They are encouraging their parents to purchase bonds, contribute money, planting tree seedlings and so on.
Ethiopian Diaspora Agency Director General Selamawit Dawit told The Ethiopian Herald that in Ethiopian last fiscal year, over 272 million birr was collected from the Diaspora for the GERD, with more than half of it being donated. Along with the collection of money, Ethiopian diaspora children have also contributed in accordance with their capacity.
Ethiopian Diaspora Peace Delegation secretary Eyerusalem Kibret on her part said the Diasporas are in the era of opportunity. Because unlike the past, the diasporas have a strong connection with their nation. Ethiopia has such a unique culture as well as caring, respectful and very polite people.
An Ethiopian Father Captain Abeya Bekele who lives in Stockholm, Sweden bought 3,000 USD bond on behalf of his children. On the occasion he said that buying the bond is important to make the child patriotic and connect with their country through this great national project.
Ethiopian Ambassador to the United States, Fitsum Arega noted that Ethiopian diaspora contribution and participation for GERD has increased day to day. Especially, the contribution of kids and teenagers motivates others to do the same to their country. Besides, it is good to learn that the kids and youths have understood that the completion of the dam will enable children and adolescents to lead a better life by attending school properly. Furthermore, he thanked the diaspora communities especially, the kids for their contribution: “each day is a gift to do better and be better. Thank you for using each day to lighten the burden of more than 60 million lives in Ethiopia”.
In Europe, the kids and youths have contributed for the dam. In France, the campaign “Abay/GERD/ For My Child” has been held three times. In the third program of the “Abay for my Child” that was colorfully celebrated on Sunday June 27, 2021, parents and children put their mark by purchasing bond worth nearly 10,000 Euros for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. During the occasion, Ethiopian Ambassador to France Henok Teferra thanked the children for their contribution for the GERD.
Ben said in order to complete the construction of the dam, Ethiopia needs resources. Hence, the Ethiopian diaspora communities have to contribute for that. So, “if you love your country please, contribute money” he underlined.
Teenager from London, UK said that “I am so happy when I contribute my pocket money for the construction of GERD. The completion of the dam paves the way to new hope and new things. It also brightens the future of Ethiopia. Besides, the people and the government of Ethiopia must work for peace, solidarity and unity of the country. Another teenager said that “More than 60 per cent of the population of Ethiopia does not have direct access to electricity. This is something that needs to be changed. I am supporting the construction of the dam. The dam is indispensable for the progress and development of Ethiopia.”
Ethiopian Ambassador to the United Kingdom Teferi Melese said that even though they are young people born in the United Kingdom, their actions and contributions of the construction of the dam are a testament to their country Ethiopia. He further noted that “I am confident that you will work to safeguard Ethiopia’s national interests by participating in the British political system in the future so that any relationship between Ethiopia and the United Kingdom is healthy”.
According to Ministry of Women, Children and Youth Director of Legal Affairs, Dereje Degibelu, explained that based on international children convention and Africa Union children’s security and rights charter as well all as Ethiopian law, consider under 18 years old as children. Along with ensuring their security and rights, it better to show them to have positive future to their country. Because they are the one who handover the country.
During the inauguration of the Debre Berhan Industrial Park on march 3, 2019, Ethiopian Prime Minster Abiy said that the unity, prosperity and development of Ethiopia will be ensured with the people of Ethiopia especially, children. So, our focus is working with children to change the nation.
It is always important to influence and inspire children with good ideas and deeds. Because they can contribute to their country through various mechanisms. Moreover, emulating a person’s actions and values will serve as a guiding light for them and give them a bigger goal to achieve in life.
The Ethiopian Herald August 29/2021
