BY BETELHEM BEDLU
It is, sometimes, ironic how people react to and interpret the difficulty in their life in doing something beautiful. What Yenenesh engages herself in regardless of her life challenges is a simple indication to this.
Yenenesh Dagne is a housemaid who raises her three children by herself. She washes people’s clothes, and sells some stuff on Sunday market to lead her life. Despite the struggle she encounters each day to win her life let alone raising her three children leading a hand to mouth life, her face is filled with beautiful smile.
During the feeding program organized by the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce at Kirkos Sub city, district 9, number of destitute people who were selected by district’s volunteer group was gathered.
Seeing how those people appeared in the feeding hall, the way they dressed, the look on the face of the elderlies, the women with their children on their backs brings a mixed feeling to the observers.
Though watching fellow Ethiopians, who could barely eat once a day that you have got their back is a good gesture, it was also saddening to see all those people in that state.
Once the lunch program was officially opened, which actually was disclosed to be continued twice a week from that day forward, the participants dined their lunch.
Of all the volunteers who were dedicatedly serving the people, glancing at Yenenesh, who seemed to be enjoying while serving the participants energetically creates special strength to observer. Not only did she appear to make the people feel at home, but her attitude demonstrated that she was gratified that they were served.
Speaking with EPA, she noted that she had to ask her boss’s permission to be part of the program. “I have nothing to offer for these people who barely eat once a day, but I can offer my labor and energy,” she underscored.
“Nothing can ever compare to the feeling you get when you serve people who are in difficult situation. Though what I can do is simply serving them, the response I get from them is priceless”, she said with a smile.
This is not the first time where Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce organized feeding programs for destitute people. Such programs not only alleviate their problem but it sends a strong message to the people that they are not alone, as to her.
Tolosa Merga, Head of Prosperity Party of Kirkos Sub City, District 9, said Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Sub City has launched feeding program.
As to him, close to 300 destitute people will be part of the feeding program which will be held twice a week: on Tuesday and Thursday.
Noting that the District is engaged in similar activities, the Head noted that prior to this new program, they have collaborated with Belayeneh Kinde’s Foundation to feed 500 people per day.
Furthermore, it is undertaking activities to alleviate the burden of the society in various aspects. One of such effort is creating job opportunity for women who are part of the feeding program.
So far, twenty women have been hired as cook and waitress at the feeding program. Moreover, over thirty five youths are organized to engage in trading fruits and vegetables.
Similarly, the District has refurbished more than fifteen households while it made slight renewal for over 30 old houses. During holiday seasons, it provides destitute people with edible oil, flour, and other essential materials.
Indeed, volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart. We have all come across this adage at some occasion but it hits differently when we finally meet that one person who simply reminds of us the saying with their simple; but heartwarming deeds like Yenenesh.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2022
