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Update 1 - June 2005

1. Action in Tigray: Kiros Miruts, our Tigrayan colleague has been working with the Office of Rehabilitation and Social Affairs (ORSA) in facilitating the collection of basic data relating to disability. This includes;

• Situational assessment questionnaires from Tigray Disabled Veterans Association, Ex-Leprosy Association, Association of the Physically Handicapped, Association for the Blind and the Association of the Deaf
• Government vocational training facilities for People with Disabilities (PWD) in Mekelle and Axum;
• Information relating to a women with disabilities entrepreneurial scheme;
• ORSA training of the training centre;
• Contact made with national Non-Government Organisations who provide some support for people with disabilities;
• An ORSA social worker staff profile is in the process of being compiled.

The above information will provide valuable information in relation to the current status of available services and support for people with disabilities in Tigray. This information will be collated and compiled and will also form the basis of a Resource Directory. Questionnaire forms were designed in a partnership arrangement between Helen Pitt and Tigrayan colleagues.

Helen Pitt meeting with members of the Abyssinia Homeless Handicaps Cooperative (See Projects pages)

2. Assignment in Tigray: Helen Pitt
Helen leaves Australia on the 26th June for an initial period of 11 weeks that may be extended. Terms of Reference have been agreed with the authorities. Most of her time will be spent working with senior staff of ORSA, the Tigray Health Bureau and representatives from Disabled Peoples Organisations (DPOs) in the development of the Tigray Regional Disability Strategy and related activities.

1. Australia: Tigray Initiative Team members and supporters

• Kerry Thomas, Ursula Dahl and Helen Pitt spent a day working on a draft framework for the development of basic social work/social development/community development training project that has been requested by ORSA. This will be discussed with ORSA personnel when Helen arrives in Mekelle.
• Although Jill Jameson is not able to join the Team this year she has been busy with a Melbourne artist friend in providing some guidelines and advice for a possible project that may provide income-generating opportunities for a group of PWD in Tigray. Jill has also given a $50.00 donation to purchase some initial supplies. Most welcome input both technically and financially.
• Rick Droz, a colleague living in Cambodia, and known to many Friends of interPART members, has provided incredible technical advice in areas such as wheelchair production, many aspects of vocational training and community development. His wide breadth of knowledge is a great contribution to our work.
• Dr Jim Black, a doctor now working Melbourne, but with a previous association with Tigrayan refugees in 1985, has provided some very useful comments relating to the current health system in Tigray. Much appreciated.
• Supporters have provided the following financial assistance;
  Tania Radis organized a Quiz night which raised $1,400.00,
  Proceeds from the birthday celebrations of Glenn Williams and Barry Lincoln $1,400.00
  Other donations received;
       Peter Morrison $500.00
       Amanda Lindsay $140.00
       Elaine Ogden $350.00
       Beth Lewis $500.00

An amount of $850.00 will be taken to Tigray in June by Helen Pitt for ongoing projects while all other monies have been paid into the Friends of interPART Tigray Initiative Fund. The Team going to Tigray during October 2005 will be given the discretion to disburse these donations for pilot projects using criteria agreed to by FoiP for assessment of projects. All funds raised for the Tigray Initiative will be allocated to projects in accordance with the documented objectives and aims of the Tigray initiative.

interPART and Associates (iP&A) has agreed to cover most administrative costs. In addition iP&A have entered into to a number of fee for service agreements which will contribute to the Initiative. It is envisaged that these contracts will produce outcomes which will have a broader application beyond the Tigray Initiative and Ethiopia. In October all Team members will be self-funded.

• Ann O’Callaghan and Peter Henry have continued to raise funds for the Abyssinia Houseless Cooperatives Project that they alone, funded in the past. A successful fundraising day was held at the School where Peter is a teacher and about $1,700.00 was raised. A fantastic response and great to learn of the interest of the students (they are our future).
• A “Life after Injury” Manual has been donated by the authors for Helen to take to Tigray.
• Additional contacts/FoiP members who have shown interest and wish to be included in receiving information and updates are;
  Jackie Mansourian (Melbourne), Jenny Biven, Ray Walker

We are exceedingly grateful for all the moral and financial support mentioned above.

The next Tigray Initiative Team meeting will be held at Macclesfield on Saturday 25th June 2005 at 9.30am. Next Update July 2005.

Post script: Helen has arrived in Mekelle, settled into a home and is getting stuck into meetings, meetings, and meetings!