For-ethiopia - our first AGM

AGM / Ethiopian Christmas Party - 7th January 2006

We held our first AGM on Saturday the 7th January and combined this with a party to celebrate Ethiopian Christmas which fell on the same day. Our first full year of operation ended on 30 September 2005 so this was an opportunity to let our supporters know what we had achieved so far and what our plans are for the future. Over 50 people attended, which was a fantastic turn-out.

After a talk from Janet Mills, our Chairman and a brief summary of the accounts by the Treasurer, Rob Grieve, everyone was treated to sambusas (lentil samosas), fried vegetables (including beetroot!) and followed up by fruit kebabs and real Ethiopian coffee and popcorn.

Mike Heath from Exeter and the Open University gave an entertaining talk on development focusing on a project in Sri-Lanka to install a modified clay oven in households. This emphasised the need for charities to work with the local people, rather than to 'force' new ideas upon them.

This was followed up with Ethiopian music and dance on the overhead screens along with honey wine and plenty of chat.

Unfortunately no one was tempted up on the dance floor, unlike at 'Taste for Ethiopia' in May 2005! (you know who you were...).

Everyone seemed to enjoy the evening and £88.67 was donated and a few people signed up to give regular donations.

Again, a big thank you to all our supporters. We cannot do any of this without you!

During his talk, Mike made reference to an African poem about stoves. Many people asked for where they could find this. It is located at: http://pages.constructionplus.net/mjheath/stove.htm