Building Better Tomorrow
PBS News
Mulugeta Gebregziabher, Patrick Wight, Lyla Mehta
We donated over 500,000 ETB to 115 households in Amdo, Tigray region of Ethiopia on March 03, 2024.
The gripping visuals and imagery captured in the videos and photos encapsulate the arduous yet vital humanitarian mission undertaken in Amdo (Woreda Maikinetal, Tabia Wechi). Embarking on foot from Mifililay, our journey necessitated a treacherous crossing of the Seysa River.
Beyond Seysa, the terrain turned unforgiving, with steep inclines and rugged pathways challenging our resolve. Amidst this daunting landscape lay the remnants of an old road and a dilapidated bridge – vestiges of infrastructure long forgotten.
Yet, amidst the ruins, a glimmer of hope emerged. The prospect of resurrecting this forgotten route into a sturdy thoroughfare presented itself as a beacon of possibility. With access restored, vehicles could traverse the rugged terrain, reaching the elevated plateau where the St. George church stood sentinel.
Such a transformation could redefine existence for the community dwelling in the shadow of hardship. A rebuilt road coupled with the establishment of a water plant atop the plateau could catalyze profound change. No longer burdened by the tyranny of distance, residents could reclaim precious hours lost to daily pilgrimages to the river for water, engage in irrigation farming along the banks of the Seysa, and access vital amenities such as clinics, schools, and markets.
The urgency of this endeavor cannot be overstated. Those vested with the power to effect change must heed the call. The resilient people of Amdo, whose lives have been marred by the specter of conflict for over four decades, deserve nothing less. It is time for action, for through this gesture, we can bestow upon them the promise of a brighter, more equitable future.
Mulugeta Gebregziabher PhD
March 03, 2024
As I journeyed back from a life-saving humanitarian mission in Amdo, I crossed paths with a father and son whose resilience touched my soul.
Engaging in conversation, I inquired about the young boy’s schooling, only to be met with the father’s somber admission that it was an impossibility. The nearest school lay kilometers away, its access roads impassable for a child reliant on crutches. Adding to their plight, the father lamented their lack of resources to seek medical help.
Moved by their plight, I offered to facilitate their journey to Mekelle, home to a renowned physiotherapy and prosthetic center. With gratitude shining in their eyes, they accepted my offer, and I penned a note detailing whom they should contact upon arrival.
In a heartening turn of events, the father reached out to me the next day, confirming their safe arrival in Mekelle. Swiftly, I connected them with the center, and the dawn brought with it a transformational moment – Elias Tariku stood tall on his new prosthetic legs.
Witnessing the radiance of joy illuminating the faces of father and son, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. It was as if the universe had conspired to choose me as an instrument of change in their lives. In this extraordinary conclusion, Elias Tariku embraced a newfound freedom – a testament to the beauty of human kindness and resilience.
Mulugeta Gebregziabher PhD
March 03, 2024
In the heart of Axum University, nestled amidst the bustling corridors of academia, a humble mango tree stands as a silent sentinel of resilience and perseverance. Planted with care and foresight by none other than Pro. Mulugeta in the year 2007, this verdant guardian has weathered every storm and adversity thrown its way, emerging triumphant against the test of time.
As the seasons danced around it, the mango tree bore witness to the ebb and flow of life within the university grounds. It endured scorching summers and biting winters, its branches swaying defiantly against the elements. Through neglect and turmoil, it remained steadfast, a symbol of unwavering determination.
But it wasn’t just the capricious whims of nature that the mango tree had to contend with. Neglect and apathy threatened to overshadow its silent vigil. Yet, it stood tall, a beacon of hope amidst the chaos, reminding all who passed by of the enduring power of resilience.
Now, in the year 2024, the mango tree stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of Axum University. Its branches reach for the sky, casting a dappled shade over the pathways below. It serves as a living reminder of Pro. Mulugeta’s vision and dedication, a legacy etched in the very soil of the university.
In an ever-changing world, where challenges loom large and uncertainties abound, the mango tree serves as a source of inspiration. It whispers tales of perseverance and strength, urging all who encounter it to stand firm in the face of adversity. For in its steadfastness lies a timeless lesson – that with determination and resilience, even the mightiest of challenges can be overcome.
Mulugeta Gebregziabher PhD
March 21, 2024
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