Currently, Ethiopian Diasporas from all over the world are showing great enthusiasm to engage in various development and philanthropic activities in the homeland. In recent years, there has been a noticeable trend of the Diaspora communities intensifying their participation in various activities back in their home country. This increase in participation reflects a deep-rooted desire among Ethiopians living abroad to give back to their communities and contribute to the development and growth of the country. The country is also in dire need of its children’s unity and active participation to rehabilitate the war affected areas.
One of the Ethiopian Diasporas, Tibebe Eshetu lives in the USA. He believes that kindness and lending hands to the needy gives a real mental and spiritual satisfaction.
Recently, he came to Ethiopia and provided financial and in-kind support to various segments of the society including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the northern part of the country. He also visited Mekedonia, Home for the Elderly and Mentally Disabled persons, and provided financial support. He donated financial and various in-kind supports to the needy aspiring to see sustained Ethiopian culture of togetherness and helping others.
Apart from this, he strives to sustainably change the livelihood of the society through undertaking various investments in the homeland. He is engaged in the construction sector. Thus, he strives to build and avail homes with better quality and accessibility throughout the country. He also plans to create more job opportunities in the sector to the growing number of youths graduating from various universities.
According to him, it is high time to return back to the motherland and do something worthy in life.
Moreover, the Ethiopian Diasporas are often driven by a desire to make a tangible impact in their home country. He believed that by getting involved in different sectors, they can directly contribute to addressing pressing social issues, improving infrastructure, and supporting local initiatives that are making a difference in the lives of Ethiopians.
Thus, the Ethiopian Diaspora communities bring with them a wealth of expertise, skills, and knowledge from their experiences living and working in different parts of the world. Seizing the opportunity to transfer these valuable assets to local communities, empowering them to develop new capabilities, and improve their quality of life should not be a missed opportunity.
What is more, the Ethiopian Diaspora communities foster a sense of community and solidarity among Ethiopians, both within the overseas and in local neighborhoods. By working together towards a common goal, individuals develop a shared sense of purpose and belonging, which in turn helps to build stronger social bonds and foster a culture of cooperation and support.
The recent conflict in the northern part of Ethiopia caused numerous families to face various socio-economic challenges. The government had called up on all Ethiopians home and abroad to actively engage in the reintegration activities of the war affected areas’ communities.
By accepting the call of the Amhara state to the Diasporas communities to join their hands in the efforts of rehabilitating the area and providing humanitarian support, Tibebu visited the North Wollo zone Gashena kebele. After arriving at the area, as he is engaged in the real estate sector, he preferred to contribute his part by rebuilding homes and expedited efforts of rehabilitating war affected areas in the country. He also contributed financial support to the residents to buy and raise sheep and goats.
“Beyond this, Ethiopia needed the active participation and unity of its children across the globe at this time. Thus, the Diaspora communities should engage in various fields across the country to help new businesses flourishing in the country. Such efforts sought to create potential job opportunities to the growing number of youths graduating from different universities,” he said.
Currently, he is undertaking a resort construction in Bahir Dar city with investment worth more than three billion Birr and helps stimulate the country’s tourism and hospitality sector.
One of the residents of Wadla Woreda, Gashena Kebele Habitamu Degu witnessed that the coordinated efforts of the government, private institutions, and volunteer individuals enabled him to forget the trauma of the conflict.
“Tibebe Eshetu never hesitated to come to his motherland and visit the war affected areas to contribute his part. He helped the reconstruction of numerous homes, infrastructural facilities, and a religious center that was affected by the conflict in Gashena kebele,” he said.
According to him, the area were hugely affected by the conflict and caused thousands to death, injury, and internal displacement. Those who survived the war had been living in a cave and tents for the past couple of months.
“Currently, those Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who have been leading a difficult life arrive to their new home after refurbished by benevolent Ethiopians in home and abroad. Thus, those Ethiopians who show unreserved support to the needy at this difficult time deserve recognition.”
On his part, another resident of the area and victim of the conflict, Worku Bitew said that the conflict caused complete and partial destruction of individual homes and public infrastructural facilities. Thus, residents fled the war and took shelter in caves.
As to him, victims of the conflict who are now returned to their home have become thankful for the Ethiopians those at home and abroad for their immediate responses to rehabilitate them.
Accordingly, Tibebu handed over more than 147 houses built by him that enabled to reintegrate more than 700 local residents whose houses were destroyed and sheltered in caves during the war.
More importantly, engaging in volunteer work offers Ethiopian Diasporas the opportunity for personal growth and fulfillment. By giving their time and skills to meaningful causes, they can experience a sense of purpose and satisfaction that comes from making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Voluntarism plays crucial role in supporting sustainable development efforts in Ethiopia. By actively participating in community projects, the Diaspora community can contribute to bring lasting solutions for the challenges such as poverty, healthcare, education, and environmental conservation, ultimately helping to build a more resilient and prosperous Ethiopia.
In sum, the intensifying participation of Ethiopian Diaspora activities at home is a testament to the strong bond they maintain with their homeland and the shared commitment to creating positive change. Through their dedication and contributions, they are not only making a difference in the lives of their fellow Ethiopians but also sowing the seeds for a brighter and more sustainable future for the country.
BY TEWODROS KASSA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 11 JUNE 2024
