Tigray community of PORTLAND celebrates LEKATIT & ADWA

The 33rd anniversary of TPLF as well as the 112th Adwa’s victory was extraordinarily celebrated in Portland, Oregon by Ethiopians from the metro Portland and neighboring Washington state.

The highlights of the event were discussions upon the following points;

Ethiopian economy: What can people in Diaspora do to participate in the economical growth of our homeland on an individual basis and/or as a group? This topic was discussed in greater detail and the effort of individuals through their respective groups (such as, alumni associations) recognized which are mainly focused in building schools, libraries etc … "Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will eat for the rest of his life" Chinese proverb…. To this effect, it was discussed on how we can focus on entrepreneurship and create a WIN-WIN situation for our country by participating in the growth whether it is by opening small cottage industries or other trade and creating jobs. This will also help in bridging the gap with the western hemisphere in which we live in…

Corruption and bribery in our homeland – while the group recognized that such issues are problematic in an infant democracy and growing economy, they agreed to do their best to fight and not to be part of any bribery. In fact, it was encouraged that if any of the members experience such an act, we do our part to expose the officials involved in such deceitful act. This will ensure that we keep the torch alive and the mission of our heroes who struggled for over 17 years (some of whom lost their lives) intact and that it doesn’t go in vein, and that our country prospers.

Philanthropy – On this end, an effort to participate and help our country and people on an individual or group basis was encouraged and discussed. The group also recognized two of our own community members for their exemplary work and benevolence. Ato Teshale Tesfay and his wife W/o Haregewoini Berhe have recently returned from Ethiopia after inaugurating an elementary school in the city of Shire / Endaselassie. The school was built out of their personal finances and handed over to the ministry of education.

Finally, kudos to the event's organizing committee on a job well done, and we hope to see many more events of such in the future.

Reported by, the organizing committee.

Portland Oregon

03/15/08