TDA Holds Successful General Assembly

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The Tigrai Development Association (TDA) has successfully concluded its General Assembly, which was held in Mekelle, Tigrai at the Martyrs Hall On Jan 3^rd and 4th 2009.

This year’s keynote speaker, H.E. Ato Tsegay Berhe the President of Tigrai Regional State, in his opening speech applaud the achievements made by TDA in the areas of education, training and health.

President Tsegay especially stressed on the successful accomplishment of the Millennium Telethon Fundraising held at Sheraton Addis, on 4 Oct. 2008. He said the children who are currently enrolled in the Das schools would be saved from the harsh open-air weather open class face during the long dry season.

The “Das to Class” school project has galvanized the support of all Tigrayans and many Ethiopians. The president indicated Tigrai is contributing its share to the rapid economic progress in the country and as result its average growth has been 12% for the last five years. Which he thanked TDA to have been a partner for development in the state.

TDA Board director, Dr. Wolday Amha, highlighted that the progress TDA made in the last two and half years following the call made by the 7th TDA congress. To be recalled, the director said, the last TDA congress called on all members to salvage TDA from its financial and membership crisis. The Board and management did answer the call and pulled TDA out of the crisis and made it once again, the visible and vibrant organization it is today. He also mentioned the glorious success of the TDA Millennium Telethon Fundraising as a uniting factor.

The General Assembly, after intensive discussions on each agenda, unanimously approved the report by acknowledging TDA’s role to establish Mekelle Institute of Technology (MIT)

Several amendments were made to TDA by-law to make it simpler, clear and flexible to serve the interest of TDA branches abroad. 

The congress agreed to hold it’s meeting every three years instead of every two years; however, all chapters and the board of directors including representatives from each branch shall hold their conferences annually.

Finally, the general assembly elected 14 board members and assigned 9-board seat for TDA branches abroad that is three board members for TDA North America, 3 for Europe and 3 for Middle East.

The Board members elected were:

Dr. Woday Amha                               Chairperson

D/r. H/Michel Abera                            Member

Ato Neway Gebreab                            Member

Dr. Tesfanesh Belay                           Deputy chairperson

D/r. Kindeya G/Hiwot                         Member

Ato Abadi Zemo                                 Member

W/ro Etenesh Abraha                         Member

D/r. Berhe G/her                               Member

D/r. Tadele Hagos                             Member

Ato Desta Asgedom                           Member

Ato G/her Embaye                             Member

W/ro Alemtsehay Girmay                   Member

Ato Yesuf Reja                                  Member

D/r. Amaha Assefa                            Member