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Update - 1st October 2005

FUN FROM THE FIELD 10:

It is International Day of the Elderly today and I am just off to join the celebrations in Mekelle. Of course I qualify. Yesterday there was a peaceful demonstration here in the streets to register their demand for recognition. Wonderful. I can see myself joining the grey power yet. All these old folk- yes they call themselves Old People’s Associations - no probs about terminology - elderly-aged or whatever fancy phrases we tend to use. Just say it as you see it-old.

There were also peaceful demonstrations in Addis and on TV last evening it was so great to see these remarkable old people, lined and knarled faces but so strong and dignified. They are the same here in Mekelle but unfortunately many of the beggars in Mekelle are also old people. It may be choice or more likely circumstances. As there is no universal social security in Ethiopia for oldies then if a person does not have a family and cannot work then there are very few options. Some, particularly the disabled and sick, are taken in by the Missionaries of Charity.

Well another week is nearly over and I have spent most of the time at my computer - can never get away from it!!!! It is now the tiresome task of recording information, and documenting ways to move forward - policy, planning, strategies etc and developing an operational plan framework - all to do with the Integrated Regional Disability Strategy which is being proposed. Then more discussions, workshops etc. I am really looking forward to the rest of the Team arriving in Mekelle - only two weeks to go now.

Let me tell you about my main counterpart GebreKidan. As I have mentioned before he has been blind from birth but went to a blind school in Asmara, capital of Eritrea and then on to Addis Ababa University where he obtained a degree in Psychology. He is married and has a couple of young-uns. He is a remarkable young man. I forget he is blind sometimes. The ORSA offices are in two buildings separated by a very busy main road where trucks and other vehicles plus of course people, donkeys, sheep and whatever make crossing the road rather hazardous for any person let alone one who is blind. But no, GebreKidan crosses with great confidence - amazing. I have met him in down-town Mekelle navigating his way along roads, up an down steps and all the other challenges that one faces - holes in footpaths etc. He uses a white cane and must be one of the champions of how to use it. Although sometimes he goes astray. Yesterday I was in my office and he was coming to see me and missed the doorway by a metre or so and I yelled out - to your right - and he replied ” Oh well, off track again”. He has a great sense of humour. It is one of the things I love about him.

He and the other folk in Social Affairs, only about six of them, are responsible for all ‘vulnerable groups’ - children (street children and youths, orphans and so on), the disabled and elderly, prostitution etc etc. They work extremely hard. Often seven days a week. They have my greatest admiration and I don’t know how they continue going at the pace they go, week after week and month after month.

The rains have stopped. We now have clear bright blue skies and warm weather. It actually gets quite hot in the middle of the day so I have dispensed with my slightly heavier warm garments and down to light trousers and blouses. I haven’t got a huge selection and again being a ‘forengi’ I don’t have to be fashion conscious (not that I do at home anyway) and can wear the same things consistently.

There is a pair of pigeons or doves (must learn the difference) nesting on my roof. There is also a cat slinking around. Actually one doesn’t see many cats around. Perhaps the hyenas like them.

Hey did I tell you that I found some beauty parlours in Mekelle. You never know, I may emerge a new me. Still not sure, however, if I am game to get my hair ‘done’.

Take care,
Helen
1st October 2005