AMBASSADOR TEWELDE GEBRU’S RECENT ACTIVITIES
IN CHICAGO AND ITS ENVIRONS

(TDA Chicago Chapter, 3/16/06):-Tewolde Gebru, former Ethiopian Ambassador and Executive Director of the Tigrai Development Association (TDA), recently concluded a highly productive working visit to Chicago and environs as part of his North American tour.

During his weeklong stay, Tewolde held several meetings with TDA members, the Tigraian community at-large, individuals of diverse professional backgrounds, and American-friends of Ethiopia. His itinerary included meetings with faculty and staff of Wheaton College, which is currently planning to send a team of 2 faculty members and 2 students to Makalle Institute of Technology to participate in solar energy research activities. Tewolde also met with the Board of Directors and supporters of the Ethiopian American Stewardship Association, and he conferred with senior staff of the Chicago Mayor’s Office, where he was presented with an official welcome and a copy of the book “Chicago Then and Now” inscribed by Mayor Richard M. Daley.

On Saturday, March 11, Tewolde addressed a community meeting where he laid out TDA’s current vision, goals and objectives. His presentation was followed by a spirited discussion and exchange of views with attendees. The meeting concluded with a unanimous resolution for a renewed commitment to rally behind the noble cause of TDA: to contribute to the development of Tigrai. The meeting culminated in the formation of a committee of seven members charged with the responsibility of strengthening the Chicago Chapter of TDA.

Former Ambassador Tewolde underscored TDA’s past accomplishments:

· constructed 83 primary schools benefiting more than 50,000 children annually. These schools account for 8.9% of the existing schools in Tigray.

· established Kellamino High School, a special high school for gifted students from all parts of Tigrai. Funded and operated by TDA, the Kellamino High Schhol also conducts extensive computer training for teachers.

· built 11 public libraries and furnished them with reference materials and textbooks. The libraries serve approximately 250,000 people annually.

· created HIV/AIDS awareness programs and provided HIV/AIDS training for health care professionals

· built and furnished 63 rural health clinics, creating access to primary health care services for more than 300,000 people annually. The services provided by these clinics represent 11% of primary health care in Tigrai.

· purchased 25 new buses — Selam Buses — that alleviated the severe public transportation shortage in Tigrai. Close to 500,000 people are served by Selam Buses each year.

Tewolde described his recent activities in Chicago and its environs as highly successful. He left Chicago for San Jose, California, and similar engagements with Bay-area Tigrians and other TDA supporters.