2010 Literacy Mission

Below is a daily account of The Davis Moon Project’s activities written by Sonja:

On our first full day in Addis Ababa, we visited a private orphanage called Horizon House. Five of our team members hosted a micro-finance workshop for 15 Ethiopian economists who are trying to negotiate a complex system to get funds to entrepreneurial families in need. Meanwhile, our remaining team painted murals on the wall of the orphanage where the children’s rooms are located facing the courtyard where kids play. It was an extremely rewarding day, and I feel that the contribution we made will far outlast our 9 day visit.

On our second and third day in the country, our team traveled to the village of Dahley to work with the Baer family (www.baeressentials.org). This village is home to 1,500 families with approximately 5 children in each household. The village was divided by a large creek, and residents speak different languages depending on what side of the creek they live on. Communication is a challenge, as is running water and there is no electricity. The Davis Moon Project donated the funds for all the building materials to construct a library for this community.

While there, we mudded (literally throwing a mud/hay mixture onto a stick structure to make solid walls) a school building, built a long rock sidewalk in front of the already framed library, planted eucalyptus trees three deep around the library and ate several meals with the community. I was so moved that all the barefoot and cold children that the facilities will serve joined us in all of these labor-intensive projects. We donated 1000 pounds of books and school supplies to be used when the library is functional in September. The community of children and adults were so grateful and happy we were there. They followed us, hugged us, and worked with us for two days straight.

On our next day in Addis Ababa, our team’s three Wimberley Rotarians delivered 500 pounds of reference books donated by Rotary International via the Rotary Club of Seattle to the Ethiopia Reads organization (www.ethiopiareads.org). Ethiopia Reads sponsors a library in southern Ethiopia that utilizes donkey mobile libraries to reach rural area children. All along our journey we were met with open, joyful, welcoming locals and this day was no exception.

Next we set off of on a 5 hour drive to Awassa located in the Rift Valley region. We were privileged to visit two families that have been positively impacted by an Empowerment Program that we are working with Horizon House to expand. I simply have no words to explain how deep into the small, remote villages we were and how we were constantly met with gleeful children waving and welcoming our group. They came out by the hundreds to see us. We visited one man who was destitute after one of his 6 children died of starvation. He applied to the Empowerment Program and now has the following “jobs”: farmer of coffee, cabbage and bananas; homebuilder; raises livestock; rents celebration equipment (cups and plates); and builds furniture. He nets $49 a month from his work and supports his family of 6 on this income. How can I possibly convey his joy and pride at showing us his family, home and shop? It was overwhelming.

The following morning we visited the Ethiopia Reads library in Awassa which is a joint venture with Rotary International. The building has two stories and is quite large. Unfortunately, only two small areas house books. There were likely 500-600 books in the cavernous space and the need for library-quality books was certainly driven home in a profound way to our group.

Finally, our last day in Addis Ababa we visited a state-operated orphanage and it was simply too much for several of our group. There were 150-200 children from newborns to age 10 housed at this orphanage. The children were thrilled to see us and screamed with delight when we walked up. Many came running and wrapped their arms around us. We delivered 500 pounds of books to this orphanage that had NONE. The children were beside themselves as we all sat and read for hours to them. I cannot emphasize enough how smart, focused, and loving these children were. They only need opportunity, which is something they will likely never receive. Hopefully, our books will be a source of stimulation and learning for them that will help them on their way in their difficult life.

One eight-year old boy in particular stole my heart. His parents had both died of HIV and he had lived in these dirty, understaffed conditions for two years. His hardship had not broken his spirit. He tried desperately to remember the words of the English book I read to him repeatedly. His desire to please was so touching and sincere. I wish I could bottle that moment and share it with everyone I meet.

CLICK HERE to view more pictures from our Literacy Mission Trip!