Today, Pagumen 3, in the Ethiopian calendar (September 8, 2023), is dedicated to ‘Volunteer Day’ with the aim to further strengthen the culture of volunteerism and appreciate individual volunteers, groups, and organizations that are working at home and abroad for their efforts and incalculable contributions to lessen the social, health and economic burden of fellow citizens. And Ethiopians are observing the day with various activities.
In fact, for Ethiopians who are known for their cooperation and generosity and they have already made volunteerism an essential feature of their day to day activity, every day is like volunteer’ day. Ethiopians, be it in their time, resources and energy, and even counseling services, always extend a helping hand for fellow citizens not only in blue but also in good moments.
Most importantly, their age-old traditional social systems, such as edir and equb, associations that are formed to lessen societal burden through mobilizing resources, are showcases to their deep-rooted culture of supporting each other. What is more, the various types of charity organizations that are established by individuals and/or groups with the spirit of this same target, also testify to this reality.
Just to mention a few, Binyam Belete, founder of the Mekedonia Home for the Elderly and Mentally Disabled, Abebech Gobena founder of Abebech Gobena Children’s Care and Development Association, ‘Yewedekuten Ansu, a charity association for the destitute and abandoned people (CADAP), Sister Zebider Zewdie, founder and Executive Director of Mary Joy Development Association (commonly known as Mary Joy Ethiopia), Muday Mitiku, founder of Muday Charity Association among others are well known Ethiopians who sacrifice their lives to lessen the social, health and economic burden of the less privileged segments of the community.
These volunteers can transform the lives of hundreds of thousands citizens, make a name for themselves and leave a lasting legacy. Their selfless acts, unquestionably, have brought about profound effects not only on those people in need of support but also their respective families and the society at large. Witnessing individuals who were once on the streets becoming productive citizens through the support of volunteers is like a miracle.
Once, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed after paying a visit to Mekedonia Center said that Makedonia is an institution that gathers and helps those who lost their loved ones, those who were forgotten, and those who were left on the streets. When I saw this, I really understood how Ethiopians are considerate and caring for fellow citizens. He also urged Ethiopians to further strengthen and cooperate in righteous acts because it is critical to save each other.
Apart from individuals, associations that are established by volunteer youths, professionals among others are working committedly to lessen the pressing issues of fellow citizens. Especially, by paying friendly visits and arranging care programs for less privileged elders, disabled, the poor, the sick, homeless and displaced people, they are providing the required support- meal, love, medical care, and discharging their societal responsibilities. Similarly, in the annual national voluntary service program, a number of success stories are registered. Solely, during this rainy season, some 20 million youth take part in the national voluntary service program, it was learnt.
In turn, it is possible to bring about considerable changes within the lives of disadvantaged groups and improve their living conditions. Not only individuals and organizations, but the government, in its part, is undertaking various people-centered activities to betterment the lives of vulnerable individuals. Mainly, the Addis Ababa City Administration is executing extraordinary activities.
Ranging from school feeding programs to rehabilitating and constructing houses for elders, disabled and vulnerable groups, the Administration is transforming the lives of city residents. Recently, the Administration handed over 1686 residential houses that were built by volunteers to the poor exposed to various social and economic problems and those individuals with noble personalities residing in all sub cities.
The houses, which have been handed over to beneficiaries in relation to the arrival of the Ethiopian New Year, are equipped with the needed utilities. Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Mayor Adanech Abebe said that the houses are delivered to those people with the aim to let them welcome the New Year with a new house, new hope and new dream.
She also extended her heartfelt gratitude to all kind hearted investors who supported and contributed a lot to make this a reality. “What is more thrilling and exciting than watching people of our city, who were pouring out tears for several years, delight in the New Year? I extend my congratulations to you again and thank you again to everyone who has contributed to this success,” posted Mayor Adanech in her social page.
Apart from people-centered intervention, the contribution of volunteers in environment conservation was remarkable. For instance in the recent Green Legacy Initiative that the country set to plant 500 million tree seedlings, Ethiopia can exceed and break its own record by planting over 566 million saplings in 12 hours and making history. The success was the result of its volunteer citizens.
Incontrovertibly, extending a helping hand, sharing what we can and creating a sense of belongingness and understanding within those in need is one way that brings purpose and meaning in life. Needless to say many of social and economic challenges are resolved by the involvement of volunteers which make the contributions of volunteers many-sided and irreplaceable.
And Ethiopians, when we mark ‘Volunteer Day’, we should be inspired to further strengthen our longstanding culture of volunteerism, sustain the achievements gained in various areas through volunteering as volunteerism yields multifaceted blessings.
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2023
