E phatlaladitšwe: 08.05.2020
I have been working again for 3 weeks. We have made many home visits. This way, I have gotten to know the city better and seen very different and extremely exciting life situations. We brought diapers, wipes, soap, and detergent. In addition, each child received an individually tailored home program. Most of the families of the children from the daycare live in 'apartments' provided by the government. The rental prices in Addis are high. Often, you live together with other families in a compound, and a family usually has one room. The toilet, kitchen, water supply, etc. are shared. Often, Muslims and Christians live together in a compound. There are many, partly huge, condominiums in Addis. In certain neighborhoods, these large high-rise settlements have been built from scratch, creating new neighborhoods. They are a kind of 'better slums'. Part of the government-provided apartments is also rented out to make a profit - unfair and at the expense of the poorest. I was told that a large part of the wages of most people in Addis goes directly into the hands of the landlords, instead of from hand to mouth. The vast majority of apartments and driveways are not wheelchair accessible. That means the parents often have to carry the children.
Otherwise, there are various tasks at Addis Guzo. For example, crafting articulated arms for the children's wheelchairs in the daycare. These can hold objects, help with communication, or be used in therapy. The storage room is also tidied up, sorted, organized, etc. In addition, there are various useful administrative tasks, and sometimes I get to help in the kitchen :)
Last weekend was extended due to holidays. I went to Lake Langa with Barbara, Tsige, Hailu, Nathaly, Malaika, Eldana, and four dogs. It was very exciting to discover the natural beauty of this area. I saw countless birds, swam in the lake, slept in a tent, and breathed in fresh air without exhaust fumes. Here are some impressions from the trip:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/M2LruDhb2CBg4xjJA
Next week, my internship at Addis Guzo will be finished. If possible under the circumstances, I would like to travel around Ethiopia a bit. How, where, and if at all is still unclear...