This past July, I had the opportunity to travel to Ethiopia with my family. This was my second time in Ethiopia and once again, it was a wonderful trip. While I was in Ethiopia I had the pleasure of spending a few days tutoring and having fun with kids that Wegene sponsors. I had visited some of these kids previously on my last trip to Ethiopia back in 2014, when I was given the chance to make home visits with my mom. I was so happy to learn that some of the kids had remembered me from my last visit and I had remembered a lot of them as well. 

The first day I spent with the kids, my cousins and I brought some activities we could do with them. We had a great time teaching them to make bracelets and balloon animals. I played games such as UNO with some of the kids closer to my age. They also taught me how to play dominos – which until that moment I didn’t know was a game. Earlier in the day we were all shy and too nervous to speak to one another, but by the end of the day we were all laughing and enjoying each other’s company. This day of fun allowed my cousins to learn about what Wegene does, who they are helping, and learn how exactly they carry out their mission. 

The other two days I went to the Wegene Knowledge Center, I tutored some of the kids in English. Tutoring these kids was such a great experience. They were very patient with me and my lack of speaking skills in Amarigna, and they were very eager to learn. While I was tutoring English, there were some things I learned about the language as well, such as there being various types of nouns. I thought there were only two! I was primarily working with some of the younger kids, who were so sweet. We worked on spelling, the difference between plural and singular and other grammar lessons. The kids even taught me some Amarigna (according to them, I’m not so bad).

Spending time with them was such a wonderful feeling. The kids are so appreciative for everything and are so kind. They not only taught me Amarigna and how to play dominos, but they once again taught me not to take anything for granted and to appreciate every opportunity I have been afforded. I am thankful to Wegene and them for allowing me to be taught these lessons, and I am so glad to be able to continue to see first hand the impact Wegene is having on people’s lives. 

Thank you Wegene kids for sharing so much with me and having me. I can’t wait to come back!

Mekleet Melaku
Youth Club President