A Local Encounter that Changed my Perspective - Where poverty has not arrived
ETHIOPIA | Tuesday, 9 April 2013 | Views [298] | Scholarship Entry
On the shoulders, the exposed sweat by virtue of a harsh climate, bare of any sensitivity to the languidness of the child. For a hypothetical reason, it seems he is four years old. In the country where he lives, providing the children’s birth certificates is not as affordable as it could be. Even though, he keeps, courageously, digging the dry land, in sign of work. I take a look through his eyes. He notices me. I feel very close to him. He gives a wave. We’re sharing the same reality, aren't we? My car continues the journey. It’s a good welcome...
In a few minutes, we arrive on the unusual destination, the small Habela Wondo village. Having gotten out of the car, we see graceful creatures. In spite of the aggression in their puerile heels, they run and celebrate our coming. Their feet on the rough floor remind me my several pairs of shoes. But, in contrast to me, they don’t feel sad. They make things look good. Choosing the common need, they alternate the wear of donated flip flops. The rule is: how would I be able to take care of me if I couldn’t even take care of others? It’s an impressing contrary logic. Perhaps it’s a vital logic.
Notwithstanding the unknown language spoken, the communication is established. One by one, little by little, give me a big smile. As lovely inhabitants of this place, they conduct me to a health center, in front of their school. A shade of apprehension crosses my face when I hear a voice. The gate of school is still open. In fact, the students want to go back. Being called, they return to their life changing possibility. Here, education changes lives.
I read the signs that warn of malaria outbreaks. At the same time, local nurses talk about the "evil" of the community: sometimes diarrhea, sometimes malnutrition. I reflect if the white patches seen on the knees of some children have a relationship. Someone tells me: "It is probably ringworm." And my thinking, with further delay, imagine how three women are able to "multiply" themselves in order to care nearly 3 thousand people...
I say goodbye. A young calls me. She’s Redeit Kebede. She has a mother. Her father has died. Although living in one of the countries with the worst human development index, she considers herself a luck young because she has a camera. How to make a dream real?, she asks me. I just think: there are people and dreams, so poverty fades. Where there are people like Redeit, there are realities being changed. Thank you, sweetie!
Tags: Travel Writing Scholarship 2013
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