Documents, English, and Food!

PROCESS

Prior to completing the applications for the Denver Waldorf School and East High School Rakeb had to obtain a few documents we normally take for granted here in the United States. First, she had to track down a birth certificate. At least at the time she was born, it was not common practice in Ethiopia to hand them out at medical clinics. Luckily this document is not too difficult to get, and she and her mom were able to obtain it quickly. Possessing the birth certificate allowed Rakeb to then apply for a passport. It took three trips to the passport office and over 8 hours of waiting in line, but she was finally awarded the document about a month ago!

Frame of reference…

Cost of Birth Certificate:         $0.75

Cost of Passport:                     $8.00

A traditional "fasting" platter. This just means no meat. 

RAKEB

English is taught in Ethiopian schools almost as soon as children enroll. I thought this was where Rakeb learned to speak English so fluently, but I was mistaken. Much like Panama, the majority of English teachers are usually poorly trained and poorly qualified to teach the subject. Rakeb was able to overcome this challenge and pick up the English language by watching American movies! I sure wish I could learn languages that easily!

Kitfo. Also known as raw meat and served with melted butter. 

ETHIOPIA

Prior to departing for Ethiopia a good friend of mine decided it would be ideal to provide Ethiopian food for my send off gathering. When he arrived with the food I had no clue what to do with it! Brightly colored piles of mush are presented on a large sour tasting doughy pancake. I broke out the utensils and separate plates and we sampled it all. While very tasty something was just a bit off about the whole experience. Upon arriving to Ethiopia, I realized we had done it all wrong!  First of all the plate full of mush piles, which can be seasoned chickpeas, lamb, chicken, beef, etc… are served to a group and meant to be 

shared. No separate plates! The pancake substance, which is actually called injera, is meant to be peeled off and then used to grab a heap of mush prior to shoving into your mouth. No utensils! No using anything but your right hand! Once you get used to the whole ordeal you really start to enjoy the food, the shared dining experience, and breaking all American social norms. 

A traditional meat platter full of beef and lamb. 

Schools, Kindness, & Facts

PROCESS

The first step in the United States was to find schools that accepted international students. We researched the handful of schools in Denver that did accept international students and found that two of them were much better than the others. One is the Denver Waldorf School and the other is East High School. We have already toured the Waldorf School and love the palpable passion for education and commitment to the students that everyone involved has. East High School offers a bit wider array of classes and extra curricular activities though. Honestly, we feel that Rakeb would love either school so we decided to have her apply to both and see what happens. 

Rakeb & Fikerte

RAKEB

Aaron and I were invited over to Rakeb’s home for lunch one day shortly after I had met her. Her home is located within walking distance of the African Union, but her neighborhood is comprised of small tin and cinder block homes, dusty walkways, and tiny window shops. What her home may have lacked in what we consider essential, was more than made up for in kindness. Her mother, Fikerte, and sister, Akleysia, both welcomed us in with open arms. In their tiny living room, Fikerte made us traditional Ethiopian food and topped it off with the best coffee I have ever had in my life.

The African Union behind Rakeb's neighborhood

ETHIOPIA

The country is the second most populous in Africa behind only Nigeria. The population is pretty much split down the middle with 50% of the people being Christian and 50% being Muslim. The nation is divided into 9 different regions, which are more-or-less drawn along ethnic lines. All of this makes for a densely populated country with a few different points of contention, and this has provided many problems throughout its history. We’ll start with a point of pride for all Ethiopians though. While every other country in Africa was colonized at some point in their history, Ethiopia was the sole exception. They were occupied by the Italians for 5 years (1936-1941), but never fully succumbed to them. 

Beginnings

Process

It all began prior to my departure from Africa. The idea of helping Rakeb study in the U.S. came to me one evening. After discussing it with Amanda, I started talking to people that knew more about the process than I did. Through this, I learned that Aaron White, who has known Rakeb for over 6 years now, had been thinking the same thing. We discussed a strategy of Amanda and I paving the way in the U.S. while he took care of things in Ethiopia.

Aaron White (center)

Rakeb

The first time I met Rakeb was when she came into the Center for Creative Leadership’s office. It was about a month into my stay in Ethiopia, and she was just beginning to volunteer for the organization since it was her summer break from school. Right away Aaron, who is the deputy director of the organization, tasked her with teaching me Amharic (the most widely spoken language in Ethiopia). She was shy and quiet, and I had to ask her to repeat words a few times just so I could hear them.

Rakeb at the famous Meskel Square in Addis Ababa

Ethiopia

The capital of Ethiopia is Addis Ababa. The quickly expanding city is situated at over 8,000 feet above sea level and delivers a pleasant climate. The city is the definition of contrast, huge skyscrapers are being built everywhere, while rusting shacks watch from the shadows below, shiny SUVs share the road with donkey-powered carts and an extensive population of beggars who take advantage of the slow moving traffic by knocking on car windows looking for handouts.