Ethiopia: Cradle of Humankind - World Affairs Council

Ethiopia:
Cradle of Humankind
October 23, 2008
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Picture courtesy of the Houston Museum of Natural Science
A Resource Packet for Educators
Compiled by: Meghan Arbuckle & Tese Wintz-Neighbor
TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
MAP OF ETHIOPIA......................................................................................................................................... 3
ETHIOPIA FACT SHEET .............................................................................................................................. 4
TABLE COMPARING ETHIOPIA AND THE U.S ................................................................................. 4
LUCY RESOURCES.......................................................................................................................................... 5
GENERAL RESOURCES ON ETHIOPIA................................................................................................. 7
NEWS SOURCES (ENGLISH)....................................................................................................................... 7
Ethiopian News Sources...................................................................................................................... 7
Other Sources........................................................................................................................................ 8
FOREIGN RELATIONS ................................................................................................................................. 9
CULTURE............................................................................................................................................................ 9
HISTORY........................................................................................................................................................... 10
ENVIRONMENT/GEOGRAPHY ............................................................................................................. 11
POLITICS/GOVERNMENT ....................................................................................................................... 11
HUMAN RIGHTS............................................................................................................................................ 11
HUMANITARIAN WORK............................................................................................................................ 12
HEALTH............................................................................................................................................................ 13
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS ........................................................................................................... 14
MULTIMEDIA ................................................................................................................................................. 14
AMHARIC LANGUAGE RESOURCES.................................................................................................... 15
CONNECTING LOCALLY – SEATTLE AREA RESOURCES.......................................................... 15
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Map from the CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/et.html
For an outline map please visit: http://www.mapsofworld.com/ethiopia/maps/ethiopia-outline-map.jpg
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ETHIOPIA FACT SHEET
Capital: Addis Ababa
Government Type: Federal Republic
Border Countries: Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya
Religions: Christian 60.8% (Orthodox 50.6%, Protestant 10.2%), Muslim 32.8%, traditional 4.6%, other 1.8%
(1994 census)
Ethnic Groups: Oromo 32.1%, Amara 30.1%, Tigraway 6.2%, Somalie 5.9%, Guragie 4.3%, Sidama 3.5%, Welaita
2.4%, other 15.4% (1994 census)
Languages: Amarigna 32.7%, Oromigna 31.6%, Tigrigna 6.1%, Somaligna 6%, Guaragigna 3.5%, Sidamigna 3.5%,
Hadiyigna 1.7%, other 14.8%, English (major foreign language taught in schools) (Approximately 80 languages in
total) (1994 census)
GDP Composition by Sector: agriculture 47%, industry 13.2%, services 39.8% (2007 est.)
Agricultural Products: cereals, pulses, coffee, oilseed, cotton, sugarcane, potatoes, qat, cut flowers, hides, cattle,
sheep, goats, fish
Industries: food processing, beverages, textiles, leather, chemicals, metals processing, cement
Exports: $1.288 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.)
Export Partners: Germany 8.4%, Saudi Arabia 7.1%, U.S. 7%, Djibouti 6.7%, China 6.6%, Italy 6.6%, Japan 5.9%,
Netherlands 4.9% (2007)
Imports: $5.165 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.)
Import Partners: Saudi Arabia 17%, China 15.9%, India 7.8%, Italy 5.1% (2007)
External Debt: $2.621 billion (31 December 2007 est.)
Economic Aid Received: $1.6 billion (FY05/06)
ETHIOPIA
UNITED STATES
AREA 1,127,127 sq. km 9,826,630 sq. km
TOTAL POPULATION 82,544,840 (July 2008 est.) 303,824,640 (July 2008 est.)
MEDIAN AGE 16.9 years 36.7 years
INFANT MORTALITY RATE 82.64 deaths/1,000 live births 6.3 deaths/ 1,000 live births
LIFE EXPECTANCY 54.99 years 78.14 years
TOTAL FERTILITY RATE 6.17 children born/woman 2.1 children born/woman
BIRTH RATE
43.97 births/1,000 women
LITERACY (total/male/female) 42.7%/50.3%/35.1% (2003 est.) 99%/99%/99% (2003 est.)
POP. BELOW POVERTY LINE 38.7% (FY05/06 est.) 12% (2004 est.)
GDP PER CAPITA $800 (2007 est.) $45,800 (2007 est.)
OIL PRODUCTION 7.334 bbl/day (2005 est.) 8.322 million bbl/day (2005 est.)
OIL CONSUMPTION 29,000 bbl/day (2005 est.) 20.8 million bbl/day (2005 est.)
PROVED OIL RESERVES 428,000 bbl (1 Jan. 2006 est.) 21.76 billion bbl (1 Jan. 2006 est.)
Source: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/xx.html
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USING THIS RESOURCE GUIDE
Please note: Many descriptions have been excerpted directly from listed websites.
Packet updated and published: 10/20/08; Websites checked: 10/20/08
Thumbs up icon indicates resources that the World Affairs Council
recommends.
Apple icon indicates resources that include lesson plans.
Ear icon indicates resources that include audio components.
Chart icon indicates resources that include graphs and/or charts.
Map icon indicates resources that include maps.
Video camera icon indicates resources that include video components.
LUCY RESOURCES
PACIFIC SCIENCE CENTER
http://www.pacsci.org/lucy/
The west coast premiere of Lucy’s Legacy: The Hidden Treasures of Ethiopia provides visitors with an
extraordinary opportunity to come face to face with Lucy, the oldest, most complete, and best
preserved adult fossil of any erect-walking human ancestor. As part of the total experience, Pacific
Science Center will feature the IMAX® film – Mystery of the Nile, hands-on interactive exhibits, cultural
and scientific demonstrations, and in alliance with the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture,
a distinguished lecture series.
Here are four useful fact sheets we found on the Pacific Science Center page on Lucy (found
by clicking on the “PRESS” link):
History of Ethiopia fact sheet
http://www.pacsci.org/lucy/press_files/history_of_ethiopia.pdf
Lucy fact sheet
http://www.pacsci.org/lucy/press_files/lucy_facts.pdf
Ethiopia fact sheet
http://www.pacsci.org/lucy/press_files/ethiopia_facts.pdf
A list of the top items on display, including pictures
http://www.pacsci.org/lucy/press_files/top_items_on_display.pdf
HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCES - LUCY’S LEGACY
http://www.lucyexhibition.com/about-the-exhibit.aspx
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Ethiopia's rich cultural heritage is one of the best-kept secrets in the world. “Lucy’s Legacy” introduces
you to the incredible five million-year history of this fascinating country, known as the Cradle of
Mankind.
This website provides links to a number of news articles regarding Lucy. Here are a few
recommendations:
August 31, 2007: Houston Chronicle – A Day in the Life of Lucy
http://www.lucyexhibition.com/docs/media/chronicle_day_in_the_life.pdf
August 29, 2007: Chicago Tribune – Lucy Ready to Show What Ethiopia’s About
http://www.lucyexhibition.com/docs/media/chicagotribune_lucy_to_show.pdf
Although this article focuses on the Houston Museum of Natural Science, it provides some
background as to Ethiopia’s motivation for sending Lucy on tour in the U.S.
August 1, 2007: The Independent – Meet the Ancestors: The Story of our Evolution Continues
http://www.lucyexhibition.com/docs/media/The_Independent-meetancestors.pdf
LUCY’S STORY
http://www.asu.edu/clas/iho/lucy.html
This website asks key questions concerning Lucy and provides brief but informative answers to those
questions. The site provides a nice introduction to Lucy.
DISCOVERY EDUCATION: FROM APES TO MAN
http://school.discoveryeducation.com/lessonplans/programs/apestoman/
The discovery of Lucy was important in helping scientists to date the advent of bipedal walking in
primates. This lesson allows students to compare and analyze the differences and similarities between
the mechanics of human walking and of primate walking. It explores why the evolution of walking in
primates was important in the history of human evolution.
TEACHER’S DOMAIN: FINDING LUCY
http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/tdc02.sci.life.evo.findinglucy/
This lesson provides a video of Don Johanson, the man who discovered Lucy in 1974. Included on
the page is an essay to accompany the video and a set of discussion questions.
A SCIENCE ODYSSEY: JOHANSON FINDS 3.2 MILLION YEAR OLD LUCY
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/databank/entries/do74lu.html
This site provides a short article about those who discovered Lucy. Also provided is a link to the
“Human Evolution Activity.” The activity shows the major hominid (human or human-like) species
discovered to date, when they lived, and how they might be related to each other.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC: WHAT WAS “LUCY” FAST FACTS ON AN EARLY
HUMAN ANCESTOR
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/09/060920-lucy.html
This National Geographic site provides some quick facts and quick answers to questions concerning
Lucy. It also provides information, photos, and a video relating to “Lucy’s Baby,” a skeleton of the
same species as Lucy, but about 100,000 years older.
Check out this link for a complete article on “Lucy’s baby:”
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/09/060920-lucys-baby.html
KIRO TV - EXTENDED INTERVIEW: CONSERVATOR TALKS ABOUT HANDLING
WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS FOSSIL
http://www.kirotv.com/video/17561064/index.html
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Conservator Ronald Harvey speaks about his experience working with the Lucy fossil and on the Lucy
exhibit.
GENERAL RESOURCES ON ETHIOPIA
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS: COUNTRY STUDY – ETHIOPIA
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/ettoc.html
CIA WORLD FACTBOOK: ETHIOPIA
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/et.html
BBC NEWS: COUNTRY PROFILE – ETHIOPIA
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/country_profiles/1072164.stm
EMBASSY OF ETHIOPA: WASHINGTON D.C.
http://www.ethiopianembassy.org/index.shtml
Since 1902, the Embassy of Ethiopia in Washington, D.C. has strengthened ties between Ethiopia and
the United States. The Embassy carries out government-to-government and people-to-people
diplomacy, and serves as a vital resource for Ethiopians in the United States and the Ethiopian-
American community. In addition, the Embassy promotes Ethiopian culture and encourages trade and
investment in Ethiopia.
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF ETHIOPIA
http://www.mfa.gov.et/index.php
This government website provides general information on Ethiopia’s political and economic systems.
Particular focus is given to Ethiopia’s foreign policy, diplomatic relations, treaties and legal affairs,
national security strategy, and expatriate affairs.
LINK ETHIOPIA
http://www.linkethiopia.org/guide/index.html
Link Ethiopia is a charity dedicated to supporting education in Ethiopia and increasing cultural
awareness between young people in Ethiopia and the U.K. Under “Ethiopia Info” you will find a
wealth of information spanning a broad range of topics. This site also provides photos and maps.
NY TIMES: ETHIOPIA
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/ethiopia/index.html
This country profile includes reference material, web resources, multimedia, and recent and archival
news about Ethiopia from The New York Times.
ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA: ETHIOPIA
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/194084/Ethiopia
A resource with information provided on the land, people, culture, economy, and history of Ethiopia.
This site also provides some images and links to other sources of information.
NEWS SOURCES (ENGLISH)
Sources coming directly out of Ethiopia, or whose aim is to address primarily Ethiopian
issues:
ETHIOPIAN NEWS AGENCY (ENA)
http://www.ena.gov.et/
ENA sets out to serve as a motivational force towards the creation of a national consensus among the
Ethiopian peoples on issues crucial to the acceleration of development and democratization as well as
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the promotion of the country’s image, through a multimedia production of news and news related
outputs from within and outside of the country.
WALTA INFORMATION CENTER (WIC)
http://www.waltainfo.com/index.php
Walta Information Center (WIC) is a private media outlet established with the objective of filling the
wide gap of information flow throughout the country. Established in December 1994, the center is
now celebrating the thirteenth year of its establishment.
ETHIOPIAN OBSERVER
http://www.ethioobserver.net/mission.htm
Ethiopian Observer is an information medium serving primarily Ethiopian communities around the
world. It provides news, commentaries, articles, and essays regarding current issues on Ethiopia. It also
links to other Websites around the world with relevant information on Ethiopia. We believe that the
free flow of news, information and ideas on Ethiopia will contribute to the democratization of the
Ethiopian society. A well-balanced, instructive and constructive media that upholds the ideals and
principles of democracy is the best defense for Ethiopia and Ethiopians.
JIMMA TIMES
http://www.jimmatimes.com/index.cfm
Jimma Times is an international independent news media outlet run by reporters both in Ethiopia and
the Ethiopian Diaspora. Its print version, Jimma Yeroo, publishes newspapers in Afaan Oromo and
English, circulating in many areas of Ethiopia. It is privately owned and brings local, national, and
international news to people in Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Diaspora, and to friends of Ethiopia
worldwide.
THE AFRICA MONITOR
http://www.theafricamonitor.com/index.htm
The Monitor, a family-owned publishing company, was established in 1993 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Its
maiden issue, then a weekly English paper, appeared in September 1993. In the year 2000, The Monitor
became the first and the only private daily newspaper in the history of Ethiopia, a status proudly
maintained to date.
Sources that cover events throughout Africa, including Ethiopia:
THE SUB-SAHARAN INFORMER
http://www.ssinformer.com/
The Sub-Saharan Informer is a Pan African and a continent-wide newspaper produced weekly across
several African countries expanding to all African countries and the Diaspora. It is an independent
newspaper established for the purpose of presenting balanced coverage of all newsworthy events and
dissemination of information that promotes social, political, and business issues in the region. It owes
allegiance to no political party, ethnic community, religious, or other interest groups. The Sub-Saharan
Informer has been in print for nine years now and is circulated in multiple African countries and is
expanding to each of the African countries at a fast pace. Currently The Sub-Saharan Informer is set to
print and circulate in the African Diaspora in such locations as the east coast of the U.S.A. and in
London, U.K.
AFRIKANEWS.ORG
http://afrikanews.org/
Afrikanews.org (Afrika is Swahili for Africa) is a web magazine aimed at correcting the persistent
under-coverage of Africa by international media. Every month, Afrikanews.org spotlights some of the
most under-covered stories on the continent. Journalists, researchers, educators, librarians, and others
interested in Africa are called upon to suggest news stories from Africa that have been under-covered
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or misrepresented. Using these suggestions, correspondents, stringers, and citizen journalists spread
across sub-Saharan Africa are assigned the task of writing the stories.
ALLAFRICA.COM
http://allafrica.com/ethiopia
AllAfrica Global Media is a multi-media content service provider, systems technology developer, and
the largest electronic distributor of African news and information worldwide. The site offers links
which provide information on specific topics such a conflict, education, health, environment, and arts
among many others.
FOREIGN RELATIONS
UNITED NATIONS MISSION IN ETHIOPIA AND ERITREA (UNMEE)
http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unmee/index.html
In June 2000, after two years of fighting in a border dispute, Ethiopia and Eritrea signed a cessation of
hostilities agreement following proximity talks led by Algeria and the Organization of African Unity. In
July, the Security Council set up UNMEE to maintain liaison with the parties and establish a
mechanism for verifying the ceasefire. In September 2000, the Council authorized UNMEE to
monitor the cessation of hostilities and to help ensure the observance of security commitments.
THE COMMON LANGUAGE PROJECT – WATER WARS: ETHIOPIA AND KENYA
http://clpmag.org/content/contentpages/2008/eastafrica.php
While Americans fret about rising gas prices, many experts have argued that the major conflicts of the
21st century will be fought over water, not oil. With support from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis
Reporting, multimedia journalists from The Common Language Project and AfrikaNews.org
investigate the role of water scarcity in fueling conflict and stifling development in the Eastern African
countries of Kenya and Ethiopia.
THE ECONOMIST: ETHIOPIA AND THE UNITED STATES, A LOVELESS LIAISON
(April 8, 2008)
http://www.economist.com/world/mideast-africa/displaystory.cfmstory_id=10979876
The United States and Ethiopia share a necessary alliance although the differing needs and global
standings of the two countries create a challenging relationship.
CULTURE
ETHIOPIAN MILLENNIUM
http://www.ethiopianmillennium.com/
On this website, we strive to report the under-reported of Ethiopian newsworthy stories from around
the world. This is due to the fact that the mainstream media seem to think that news is all about
disasters and is effective in reporting Ethiopian misfortunes. But here, we think differently; we believe
that news should be about impartially informing people with a good balance between good events and
not so good events. We gather our news through our extensive networks in many parts of the world in
order to make sure that you are better informed in this so-called “information age.”
THE ETHIOPIAN-AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER (EACC)
http://ethiopianculture.org/index.html
There are hundreds of thousands of Ethiopians who have migrated to the U.S. just in the last 30 years.
As a new generation of American-born children of these immigrants now make their way in the U.S. it
has become necessary to provide a compelling and accessible way for them to learn and experience
their Ethiopian roots. With this new emphasis on the needs of Ethiopians born in America, the Center
for Ethiopian Art and Culture has changed its name to the Ethiopian-American Cultural Center.
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PEOPLE AND CULTURE OF ETHIOPIA
http://www.africaguide.com/country/ethiopia/culture.htm
This site provides a brief introduction to Ethiopian culture, focusing on topics such as music, food,
people, religion, languages, arts and festivals. There are also several links to traditional Ethiopian
recipes.
CULTURE OF ETHIOPIA
http://www.everyculture.com/Cr-Ga/Ethiopia.html
This site provides information on almost any topic of interest regarding Ethiopia including history,
ethnic relations, the arts, social stratification, and economy.
PHOTOGRAPHS OF ETHIOPIA
http://www.peace-on-earth.org/Ethiopia/100.html
Photography, a Worldview is an exposition aiming to promote international cultures and
understanding by means of photography. Includes a section dedicated to photographs of Ethiopia.
ETHNICITY AND TRIBALISM IN ADDIS ABABA
http://www.macalester.edu/courses/geog61/kshively/ethnicity.html
This site provides a brief overview of the ethnic diversity of Ethiopia. It focuses special attention on
Addis Ababa, which due to its status as capital, draws people from nearly every ethnic group in the
country.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC: WORLD MUSIC – ETHIOPIA
http://worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com/worldmusic/view/page.basic/country/content.country/et
hiopia_198
This site provides a detailed, but very digestible summary of Ethiopian music and provides great
information as to how the political climate of Ethiopia has shaped its musical tradition. The page
offers profiles of famous artists and allows you to listen to a sampling of Ethiopian music.
HISTORY
ETHIOPIAN HISTORY
http://www.ethiopianhistory.com/
This site offers detailed information pertaining to Ethiopia’s extensive history, chronicling events from
prehistoric times all the way up through the modern era.
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE: ETHIOPIA
http://whc.unesco.org/en/stateparties/et
Today, UNESCO functions as a laboratory of ideas and a standard-setter to forge universal
agreements on emerging ethical issues. The organization also serves as a clearinghouse – for the
dissemination and sharing of information and knowledge – while helping Member States to build their
human and institutional capacities in diverse fields. As Ethiopia is one of the oldest civilizations in the
world, it is home to a number of heritage sites.
ETHIOPIA: AN ANCIENT LEGACY OF CHRISTIANITY
http://www.pbs.org/wonders/fr_e4.htm
For over 3,000 years Ethiopia has been a land of mystery and fascination. The Greek poet Homer
thought that the Ethiopians had been blessed by the gods, while the historians and dramatists who
came after him described a people of immense piety who lived beside the fountain of the sun. In the
Middle Ages, the kings of Europe began to search for a mythical Ethiopian king named Prester John,
beginning the Age of Discovery when they sailed along the coast of Africa. In the early years of our
own century, the famous African-American scholar W.E.B. Du Bois described Ethiopia as "the all
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mother of men," and in recent years we have begun to see a new truth in his claim as the oldest human
remains are excavated there.
THE HISTORY OF ETHIOPIAN JEWS
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/ejhist.html
From the Jewish Virtual Library, a division of the American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise, this site
provides a history of the Jewish people in Ethiopia.
ENVIRONMENT/GEOGRAPHY
BIRTH OF AN OCEAN: THE EVOLUTION OF ETHIOPIA’S AFAR DEPRESSION
(September, 2008)
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfmid=birth-of-an-ocean
This article from the Scientific American website explores the fascinating and rare phenomenon of ocean
creation, a process which is currently unfolding in Ethiopia. Read how the process is happening and
how one of the world’s driest deserts might one day become an ocean.
POLITICS/GOVERNMENT
ETHIOPOLITICS.COM
http://www.ethiopolitics.com/
Ethiopolitics.com is an independent online media outlet dedicated to publishing relevant and timely
political news affecting Ethiopia.
ETHIOPIAN PARLIAMENT
http://www.ethiopar.net/
This is the website of the Ethiopian Parliament. The site provides information related to the workings
of Parliament, including lists of committees, lists of bills, and information regarding political parties.
There is also a link to the text of the Ethiopian Constitution.
AFRICAN UNION
http://www.africa-union.org/root/au/index/index.htm
The advent of the African Union (AU) can be described as an event of great magnitude in the
institutional evolution of the continent. On 9.9.1999, the Heads of State and Government of the
Organisation of African Unity issued a Declaration (the Sirte Declaration) calling for the establishment
of an African Union, with a view, inter alia, to accelerating the process of integration in the continent
to enable it to play its rightful role in the global economy while addressing multifaceted social,
economic, and political problems compounded as they are by certain negative aspects of globalisation.
The AU is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
ETHIOPIAN POLITICS BLOG
http://ethiopianpolitics.blogspot.com/
This blog focuses on all things relating to Ethiopian politics and has a number of different
contributors. It also provides links to several similar sites.
HUMAN RIGHTS
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH: ETHIOPIA
http://www.hrw.org/english/docs/2005/01/13/ethiop9833.htm
The Ethiopian government continues to deny many of its citizens’ basic human rights. Police and
security forces have harassed, illegally detained, tortured, and in some cases, killed members of the
political opposition, demonstrators, and suspected insurgents. The government has also continued its
efforts to muzzle the private press through the use of criminal sanctions and other forms of
intimidation.
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INTERNATIONAL ETHIOPIAN WOMEN’S ORGANIZATION (IEWO)
http://ethiopianwomenorganization.com/
IEWO is an organization working to bring peace, respect of human rights, and wellness and security to
the lives of all women. IEWO recognizes that Ethiopian women must have a determining voice in the
affairs of their country and community in order to bring meaningful change for all. IEWO is devoted
to furthering Ethiopian women's active and assertive participation in the struggle for political and
economic equality for all women.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE: COUNTRY REPORTS ON HUMAN RIGHTS
PRACTICES: ETHIOPIA (2006)
http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2006/78734.htm
This 2006 State Department report details a range of human rights abuses which have taken place in
recent years in Ethiopia. Examples include: limitation on citizens' rights to change their government
during the most recent elections; unlawful killings, and beating, abuse, and mistreatment of detainees
and opposition supporters by security forces; poor prison conditions; arbitrary arrest and detention,
particularly those suspected of sympathizing with or being members of the opposition; detention of
thousands without charge and lengthy pretrial detention.
PULITZER CENTER ON CRISIS REPORTING – ETHIOPIA: TAINTED ALLY
http://www.pulitzercenter.org/showproject.cfmid=29
Human rights groups accuse Ethiopian security forces of committing grave abuses within their own
borders. But Prime Minister Meles Zenawi remains a favorite of the West, particularly the United
States, which sees him as a crucial ally in the War on Terror and an anchor of stability in a volatile
region. Zoe Alsop and Nick Wadhams spent a month in Ethiopia interviewing people across some of
the country's least-visited regions, capturing the strains of a people under siege — by their own
government.
HUMANITARIAN WORK
OXFAM: ETHIOPIA
http://www.oxfam.org.uk/resources/countries/ethiopia.html
Oxfam has been working in Ethiopia since 1971, and was one of the first non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) to work in the country. In Ethiopia, Oxfam's focus is on education, sustainable
livelihoods, and helping people have a say in the decisions that affect them.
UNICEF: UNICEF SEEKS ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO AID CHILDREN AFFECTED BY
ETHIOPIA’S GROWING FOOD CRISIS
http://www.unicefusa.org/news/news-from-the-field/unicef-seeks-additional-funds.htmlgclid=
CLbJn-yhiZUCFSUqagodOnP6qg
Ethiopia is no stranger to food insecurity. Because of this, in 2004, the Government, in partnership
with the World Food Program and UNICEF, launched the Enhanced Outreach Strategy (EOS) – a
targeted supplementary food program for child survival in Ethiopia.
DIRECT RELIEF INTERNATIONAL: ETHIOPIA
http://www.directrelief.org/WhereWeWork/Countries/Ethiopia/Ethiopia.aspxgclid=CIvhgNmkiZ
UCFRYcagodFQQPrg
Direct Relief has provided over $2.8 million (wholesale) in medical material assistance to Ethiopia
since 2000, focusing on maternal-child health and HIV/AIDS. Direct Relief’s partners in Ethiopia
include the Ethiopian Orphans of AIDS Foundation (EOAF) and the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital.
EOAF is currently working with the government of Ethiopia to strengthen the country’s health care
system through their “Master Plan” project to supply 2,700 health centers with equipment, medicines,
and supplies over the next three to five years.
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THE WORLD FAMILY: ETHIOPIAN ORPHANS AND MEDICAL CARE
http://www.theworldfamily.org/
The World Family’s mission is to improve the quality of health care in Ethiopia, reduce the spread of
HIV/AIDS, and support comprehensive care for orphans through self-sufficient and sustainable
programs. We provide: medical equipment and supplies for Ethiopian rural health care centers;
community education on topics such as water filtration systems, environmental awareness, community
hygiene, nutrition, HIV/AIDS, malaria and other preventable diseases; and vocational and life skills
training programs such as: farming, livestock rearing, building trade, craft, and the empowerment of
women.
CHILDREN OF THE WORLD
http://www.childrenoftheworld.info/default.asp
Children of the World (CTW), is a charitable organization established to improve the lives of the
people in the world, especially the children, who live in poverty or at risk of misfortune. Our focus is
to change the lives of poverty-stricken people throughout the world, especially the children; providing
food, shelter, clothing, education, and health care. We currently are working with two orphanages;
Emmanuel Orphans Development Association (EODA) Woliso, Ethiopia and the Jehzjet Children
Outreach Missions (JCOM), Monrovia, Liberia.
ETHIOPIA READS
http://www.ethiopiareads.org/
Ethiopia Reads believes that those who read bloom…and that literacy is the key to improving the lives
of this generation of Ethiopians. Our mission is to build a reading culture in Ethiopia by connecting
children with books. We do this by planting libraries for children, publishing books in English as well
as local Ethiopian languages, and training teachers and librarians to cultivate a love of reading among
children.
BBC WORLD TRUST SERVICE
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/trust/whatwedo/where/africa/ethiopia/2008/03/080218_ethio
pia_country_overview.shtml
The BBC World Service Trust is focusing on improving health, education, and livelihoods in Ethiopia.
We are working with a wide range of partners to improve the sexual and reproductive health of young
people and to stimulate debate about key development issues.
UN MILLENNIUM VILLAGE PROJECT
http://www.unmillenniumproject.org/mv/index.htm
The Millennium Project was commissioned by the United Nations Secretary-General in 2002 to
recommend a concrete action plan for the world to reverse the grinding poverty, hunger, and disease
affecting billions of people. The Millennium Villages seek to end extreme poverty by working with the
poorest of the poor, village by village throughout Africa, in partnership with governments and other
committed stakeholders, providing affordable and science-based solutions to help people lift
themselves out of extreme poverty. The following site provides a link directly to the village of Koraro,
Ethiopia: http://www.millenniumpromise.org/site/PageServerpagename=mv_koraro
HEALTH
AFRICAN MEDICAL AND RESEARCH FOUNDATION (AMREF)
http://www.amref.org/
AMREF is an international African organization headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. AMREF's mission
is to ensure that every African can enjoy the right to good health by helping to create vibrant networks
of informed communities that work with empowered health care providers in strong health systems.
AMREF implements its projects through country programs in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania,
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Southern Sudan, and South Africa. Training and consulting support are provided to an additional 30
African countries.
NETWORK OF ETHIOPIAN PROFESSIONALS IN THE DIASPORA (NEPID)
http://www.nepid.org/
NEPID is a non-partisan network that works to engage professional members of the Ethiopian
Diaspora to create dialogue and facilitate actions around the issue of HIV/AIDS.
THE FISTULA FOUNDATION
http://www.fistulafoundation.org/
A fistula is a hole. An obstetric fistula of the kind that occurs in Ethiopia (and many other developing
countries) is a hole between a woman's birth passage and one or more of her internal organs. The
Fistula Foundation was founded as American Friends Foundation for Childbirth Injuries (AFFCI) in
2000 by Richard Haas and his daughter Shaleece. Mr. Haas served as a teacher in the Peace Corps in
Ethiopia from 1967 to 1969, prompting him to return with his daughter to visit the East African
country in 1999. The Haases visited the Fistula Hospital and were moved by the oasis of healing
created by Dr. Catherine Hamlin and her late husband, Dr. Reginald Hamlin. They returned to
California and established a US-based non-profit dedicated to supporting the treatment and prevention
activities of the Fistula Hospital. (See PBS documentary, A Walk to Beautiful)
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
THE ETHIOPIAN-AMERICAN YOUTH INITIATIVE (EAYI)
http://www.ethusa.org/
EAYI is more than just another organization for Ethiopians abroad. It was established under one
guided principal, to enhance the cooperation of Ethiopians in the diaspora beyond the political, ethnic,
and social constraints we all have. Recognizing that Ethiopia is a diverse country and that Ethiopians
have a variety of views and issues on almost all topics, we here at EAYI are trying to build and
promote the culture of tolerance, commitment, loyalty, and cooperation because we believe that it
takes a village to raise a child but it takes a people to raise a country!
MULTIMEDIA
PBS: A WALK TO BEAUTIFUL
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/beautiful/program.html
This documentary relates the story of Ethiopian women suffering from a condition called fistula. A
lack of OB-GYN doctors has lead to a high number of women suffering from this surgically
correctable condition.
An NPR report on the documentary:
NPR: FILM CAPTURES ETHIOPIAN WOMEN’S MEDICAL SAGAS (May 13, 2008)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.phpstoryId=90394327
In Ethiopia, a country of nearly 77 million, there are reportedly fewer than 150 OB-GYN
doctors. The result – according to A Walk to Beautiful, a new PBS documentary – is that an
increasing number of women, some of whom have been victims of sexual abuse or rape,
unnecessarily suffer from a surgically repairable condition called fistula.
NPR: REBELS ACCUSE ETHIOPIAN GOVERNMENT OF ATROCITIES (Sept. 15, 2007)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.phpstoryId=14447240
Rebel forces there are accusing the Ethiopian government of depriving the area of vital services and
committing atrocities against the people. But those accusations are proving hard to confirm.
NPR: ANCIENT ETHIOPIAN CULTURE CROSSES NEW MILLENNIUM (Sept. 12, 2007)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.phpstoryId=14341783
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An ancient culture leaps into the new millennium. Ethiopia follows a calendar from ancient Roman
times. According to that calendar, it is just New Year's Day, in the year 2000.
NPR: WORLD’S OLDEST HOMINID NOW WORLD’S OLDEST TOURIST (Aug. 22, 2007)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.phpstoryId=13864812
Officials in Ethiopia have said there are two reasons for sending Lucy on an American tour. The first
is to raise the profile of Ethiopia and attract international tourists; the exhibition also includes artifacts
from Ethiopia's more modern human history. The second reason is to raise money for the
impoverished African country. The United Nations lists Ethiopia as one of the least-developed nations
on earth. Per-capita income is only about $100 a year.
AMHARIC LANGUAGE RESOURCES
AMHARIC KIDS
http://www.amharickids.com/default.aspx
Amharic Kids was born out of our family’s adoption journey. We adopted our oldest daughter as a
baby and at that time all we cared about was making sure she ate and grew. In time, we began to look
for Ethiopian cultural and language outlets knowing how crucial it would be for our daughters' future
self-esteem.
ABSHIRO KIDS
http://www.abshirokids.com/
We at AbshiroKids strive to be your most reliable and enduring resource for your child’s growth
linguistically, culturally, and to help connect to their heritage. In a fast changing world, where negative
influences can overwhelm a parent’s ability to provide positive role models and images, AbshiroKids
stands as a beacon for positive images. Let us be your guide and helper as you teach your child to
speak Amharic and provide him/her with positive cultural influence.
BUSINESS:
CONNECTING LOCALLY: SEATTLE AREA RESOURCES
ETHIOPIAN BUSINESS DIRECTORY IN SEATTLE
http://www.ecmaseattle.org/ethiobus.htm
This site provides an extensive directory of all businesses operated by the Ethiopian community of
Seattle, as well as local organizations related to Ethiopia.
ETHIOPIAN-AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (EACOC)
http://www.eacoc.org/
The Ethiopian-American Chamber of Commerce is a business organization that protects, fosters, and
enhances the success of our Ethiopian-American businesses through a focused and collaborative
effort. Although this is the general site for the EACOC, there is a local branch located in the World
Trade Center building in Seattle.
COMMUNITY:
ETHIOPIAN COMMUNITY MUTUAL ASSOCIATION (ECMA)
http://www.ecmaseattle.org/ecma_ind.htm
The mission of Ethiopian Community Mutual Association is to bridge the gap created by language and
cultural barriers which prevented Ethiopian refugees and immigrants’ access to health, social, and
other services that are available to them; transmit cultural values, promote economic development, and
sports to benefit Ethiopians living in Seattle and its vicinity.
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ETHIOREEL
EthioReel is a community service, which was created to teach and share Ethiopia’s wealth of cultural
diversity through fashion, dance, art, and digital media. EthioReel has performed dances all over
Seattle, from universities to community centers and is host to the annual Ethiopian New Year
celebrations. Our participants come from all over Western Washington to dance, eat, perform, and
learn together. EthioReel can be reached through Ethioedits, at www.ethioedits.com or through
founding member Tizita Assefa at tizitaassefa@gmail.com
BARO ETHIOPIAN SPORT CLUB
http://members.aol.com/ethiobaro/index.htmlf=fs
The Baro Soccer Club of Seattle was formed to carry the huge responsibility to maintain our heritage
and unique cultures and to pass them unaltered, but developed to our children, to cultivate the
Ethiopian spirit and nature in our youth and all, to elevate the competitive nature and ability of
Ethiopians, to develop sport programs in which all Ethiopians will be able to participate in the
activities and/or as spectators, and have a good time.
RELIGION:
MEDHANE-ALEM ETHIOPIAN EVANGELICAL CHURCH
http://medhane.org/
This website provides information about an Ethiopian church located in Seattle.
SAINT GEBRIEL CHURCH
http://www.st-gebriel.org/
This website provides information about a traditional Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Seattle.
ORGANIZATIONS
HONORARY CONSUL GENERAL OF ETHIOPIA (SEATTLE)
Solomon Tadesse
FAX: 206-374-0410
sosha@comcast.net
ETHIOPIAN DIGITAL AND IT SERVICES (EDITS)
http://www.ethioedits.com/index.html
Ethio Digital & IT Services (EDITS) is an independent professional organization and provides project
development, technical support, promotes community and youth projects, and promotes culturallybased
multimedia educational programs. Other services available are: grant writing, translation, notary
public, money transfering, children's books, softwares', DVD's, CD's and so on.
…also check out: ETHIO YOUTH MEDIA TV PROGRAM
http://ethioedits.com/services.html#Ethio
The Ethio Youth Media TV program brings the Ethiopian culture in to life
and transfers it to the next generation using media as a focal element. Its
main purpose is to take action and create their own Media that reflect their
identities and cultures, address issues that affect them most, and voice their
stories.
A HOPE FOR CHILDREN
http://www.ahopeforchildren.org/index.html
The Mission of African HIV Orphans: Project Embrace is to offer a two-pronged approach to the
devastation caused by the AIDS virus in Ethiopia by providing a nurturing, stimulating, loving home
for infected children orphaned by the disease and by providing comprehensive, accurate education to
families, staff, and the local community regarding AIDS prevention and care of infected loved ones.
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A Hope for Children is located on Vashon Island.
ADOPTION ADVOCATES INTERNATIONAL
http://www.adoptionadvocates.org/about/about_aai.php
Adoption Advocates International (AAI) is an experienced international adoption agency focusing on
children from Ethiopia, China, Thailand, Ghana, and Washington State. AAI received its Hague
Accreditation in February 2008. We are committed to processing each adoption with respect for the
welfare of the child while providing emotional support and guidance for the adoptive parents.
PERSONAL STORIES:
KIRO NEWS ANCHOR/REPORTER PENNY LEGATE
http://www.kirotv.com/station/10498972/detail.html
Kiro TV news anchor and reporter Penny LeGate has made many journeys across the Atlantic to
Ethiopia in her lifetime. Ms. LeGate made the journey again in October of 2007 on a mission to help
vaccinate children against polio. Join her as she documents her experiences and insights on her blog,
located on the Kiro TV website.
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