Ethiopian Diaspora’s New Generation Commits to National DevelopmentTinderet Constituency Allocates Sh. 55 Million Bursary for Student Aid

Addis Ababa – In a notable gathering held yesterday, members of the second-generation Ethiopian diaspora have expressed their commitment to actively engage in the development of Ethiopia, extending their role beyond cultural and historical connections. The occasion, an Iftar program hosted by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, saw the participation of young Ethiopians from various countries, including those born in Arab nations, who are currently in Ethiopia for Ramadan.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, attendees of the program emphasized the importance of solidarity among Ethiopians and acknowledged the developmental strides Ethiopia has made. Participants shared their observations and experiences, highlighting the contrast between misconceptions spread through social media and the actual progress on the ground in Ethiopia. Abdela Ibrahim from Saudi Arabia noted the significance of the Iftar meeting in fostering connections among the diaspora youth, urging their involvement in Ethiopia’s youth-centric development initiatives.

Hanan Awol, a participant who has resettled in Ethiopia from Saudi Arabia, pointed out that the nation’s developmental efforts are designed with a future-oriented perspective, emphasizing the need for collaborative support. Similarly, Saladin Abdu from Canada and Faris Ali from Yemen remarked on the transformative changes in Ethiopia, encouraging diaspora members worldwide to witness these advancements firsthand.

The event also served as a platform for diaspora members like Hudeten Salih and Hanan Awol to discuss their efforts in promoting Ethiopia’s cultural and developmental narrative in Arabic on social media. In her statement, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Birtukan Ayano highlighted the significance of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s call to the diaspora, outlining the ongoing and planned phases of engagement aimed at integrating their contributions into Ethiopia’s growth trajectory.

TINDERET – The Tinderet National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) has allocated Sh55 million in bursaries to support students across various educational levels in the constituency. The announcement was made by the area Member of Parliament, Julius Melly, during a cheque distribution event at Got Ne Lel Girls Secondary School.

According to Kenya News Agency, the bursary funds are distributed with Sh33 million designated for day school students, Sh8.5 million for boarding school students, and the remainder divided between learners in colleges and universities, receiving Sh6.2 million and Sh4.9 million respectively. Notably, 70 bright and needy students have been identified to receive up to Sh. 53,000 each, covering their full educational expenses. Furthermore, through the Presidential Bursary Scheme, an additional 56 students will benefit from Sh679,000 in total.

MP Melly emphasized the government and the constituency’s dedication to ensuring educational access for all children, highlighting the bursary as a measure to combat school dropout rates. He addressed the local school principals, urging them to utilize the funds judiciously and prioritize the welfare of the learners. The government’s broader objective, as Melly stated, is to progress towards universal education, leveraging support from various sectors to prevent any child from missing out on schooling due to financial barriers.

The issue of school dropouts, particularly those transitioning to work in sugarcane plantations, was highlighted as a critical concern for the constituency. Melly called on local administrators to enhance surveillance and ensure children remain in school. Additionally, he advised school heads against expelling students for fee non-payment, instead suggesting engagement with parents to arrange payment plans.

Melly also touched on the broader implications of education on student well-being, linking school attendance to improved academic performance and mental health. The alarming rate of suicides among Early Childhood Education teachers in the area was noted, with a call for enhanced mental health support and counseling services within schools.