Ra-ey Soccer

Before leaving Addis for Kembata-Tembaro, Kahlyn and I made a visit to a Ra'ey Youth Soccer Organization practice.  Kahlyn and I both grew up playing (Kahyln continued on to play on Seattle University's Division 1 program), and share a joy in  helping to provide access to the beautiful game.  My shoulder forced me into being the photographer of the day, while Kahlyn happily suited up. She was the lone girl on the field, but easily held her own, and gained the respect of the players and coach along the way.

Mikyas Woldemichael, a very good friend of ours, created the Ra'ey Organization during his trip to Addis last year.  While I was back in the States, Mikyas lived at my place in the Jan Meda neighborhood.  He noticed that many of the communities kids would fill the allys kicking around playing soccer using balls of bound discarded plastic bags.  Mikyas inquired if the kids would be interested in forming a team, so they could play competitively in Addis's youth club leagues, he received a unanimous... of course!  Mikyas took it upon himself to purchase some basic resources, balls, jerseys, socks and began coaching the team once a week. He received an out-pour of interest.  Over 25 kids excitedly met every Saturday morning to learn and play the sport they all cherished.

In late September Mikyas was returned to the States to finish his University Education and dedicate gimself to fundraising for the organization.  Before leaving, he hired an experienced coach, and since the Ra'ey club has continued.  Since last summer the small neighborhood team has grown greatly in management, number of players, and coaching.  The team is playing competitively, and is looking forward to expanding the club further.  In two weeks time the first girls try-out will be held.  The coach is hoping to field a woman's team before the rainy season begins.  Awesome huh?

Currently The Ra'ey board of directors (Mikyas moves fast) and Ethiopia Reads are discussing the integration of Ra'ey's programming with Team Tesfa and Ethiopia Read's Sports for Development.  I am thrilled to assist in laying the ground work for what will become a driving force in pairing sports with educational opportunities in Ethiopia.

Be sure to check out the Ra'ey Youth Soccer Organization's newly crafted website. You can read more about the club, the long term goals of the organization, as well as donate to the cause.

http://raeyyouthsoccer.org

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My sister is coming to town

Kahlyn, my 25 year old sis, is currently on her way to Madrid's international airport. Her bags are packed for 6 weeks of Ethiopian living and working with her favorite big brother (she only got one). It will be a fun and productive adventure.

That sister of mine is very well traveled, she is thoroughly experienced in immersing herself in new and different cultures, and shes incredibly kind. She's got the make up of someone that can handle herself and make the most of any situation regardless where she is. Kahlyn will have me for support, but if anyone, she would be able to get by just fine on her own.

Kahlyn is coming out to Ethiopia to collaborate with ER on our upcoming literacy and healthcare outreach programming. For the last couple years Kahlyn has dedicated her life to educating herself on all things bees. In that time she has become well versed in creating and sustaining highly productive bee colonies in a variety of types of environments. Her work has lead her to focus on more than just the apiculture's economic benefits. Rather, Kahyln has focused much of her energy on the numerous and very important health benefits of properly managed apiculture. We feel that much of her programming would work harmoniously with ER's 2013-14 healthcare outreach project. We all at ER, especially my field team, are greatly looking forward to working with Kahlyn over the coming weeks.

Our time together this spring will be spent preparing for next years project implementation. Kahlyn will travel with me to Kembata-Tembaro to familiarize herself with the community and the current state of the regions agriculture and health practices. We will be meeting with local farmers, bee specialists and public health officials to discuss the expansion of ER's potential foray into apiculture. It will be a very informative trip that will provide critical contacts and useful site visits for Kahlyn's planning.

Take the time to find out much more about her work on her website beefreeapiaries.org

Kahlyn

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Family