Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association

In the News

Links

  Mekelle University

  Atse Yohannes Alumni Association

  Agazi Alumni Association

  Queen Sheba Alumni Association

  Mekelle Institute of Technology

High Schools are flourishing in Tigray

It is in our recent memory that high schools in Tigray were very few in number. They were limited to only one high school per Awraja. In fact, there were some Awraja’s such as Kilte Awlaelo that even never had one until 1969 E.C.

I remember when many of us went to the streets of Wuqro to cheer the students who were the first ones to finish high school in Wuqro in 1972 E.C. We even went to the high school during the exam time to provide them with water and sharpened pencils. It was a big deal. The people in the town of Wuqro were also pleased at the time when their own children finished high school in their own town. Prior to the opening of the high school, many students were forced to go either to Adigrat or Mekelle to attend high school. That dark time was over by the concerted effort of the citizens of Awlaelo. Each and every one in the Awraja had pledged money, time, labor and other equipment necessary to construct Wuqro High School. That was then. What about now?

Nowadays, there are six or more high schools in Kilte Awlaelo. High schools are flourishing. Students are not leaving their district or Awraja to enroll in high school. This is a great achievement by the government and the people. Those of us who are lucky enough to be in The United States of America and who know the challenges that our brothers and sisters back home are facing did not sit idle. We Tigreans in particular and Ethiopians in general are trying to make a difference in the academic arena. Most Tigreans belong to some sort of association or alma mater meant to support education, health care and cultural heritage. The alumni associations have accomplished a great achievement in mobilizing money to support schools and needy students. They have done and still are doing a great job in transferring science and technology to the high schools through many different ways. Alumni associations are building additional classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and computer and information centers in the cities and within the high schools.

We, Tigreans in the Diaspora, are committed to investing in the children of Tigray. We want our brothers and sisters to be competitive and even better than anybody in academia and future careers. We know that our land was tilled for hundreds if not thousands of years. As a result, it does not help to produce much needed grains. Thus it is in every one’s mind and interest to invest in the children who will change Tigray for the better through science and technology. We would like to create young children who would make Tigray the hub of industries. That is why we are dedicated more than ever before and more than others who waste their time and money supporting failed political organizations. Our money, time and materials are well spent in the young generation. And we are proud of such an accomplishment.

There is a new challenge that we Diaspora Tigreans and our associations are facing. This is a new reality that needs to be addressed carefully. If we do not respond to such new challenges in time, our unity and synergy will be in jeopardy. As you all may know, the alumni associations were established to support the high school in the principal town of each awraja, because in most cases that was the only high school at the time. However, things have changed in recent years and the fact of the matter is that there are now many high schools in Tigray. Almost every district (wereda) is getting one or two high schools. Do the alumni associations support all of these high schools? I am not sure about it. But I know it is creating a conflict between those who claim to be from the principal towns and those who claim to be from the weredas. If the associations failed to support all high schools equitably based on student population, they would lose their members since those from the weredas would be inclined to establish their own associations to support their local areas. Such a move will make the associations even weaker; hence a need to address such problems and come up with plausible solutions. As they say unity is strength; we are already weakened being divided by Awrajas and we do not need further divisions.

How does Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association address this problem? You may or may not know but currently there are six or perhaps more high schools in Kilte Awlaelo. Wuqro High School being the biggest with more than five thousand students, there are five more that are not yet at a preparatory level that I know of. Do we support them all? Yes, we do. As a principle, Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association donates $2,000.00 for every new high school for computer and printer purchase. In addition, funds are given based on student population for end of year incentives for academic excellence. We sponsor the “MEALTI WELDI”. Hence, Wuqro High School gets $1,000.00 every year. Last year, we granted Atsbi and Freweini with $600.00 each. This year, we will add Agulae & Negash to our support list. By so doing, we avoid division amongst us. We have been aspiring and working hand in glove for the betterment of education in Awlaelo.

There are some that argue against supporting each and every high school except the preparatory high schools in the principal cities. The reason they state to support only the preparatory one is because students from the other high schools will come to the principal high schools to attend grades 11 and 12 anyway. I believe this is a weak argument and reasoning. The students who are in the weredas need support in supplies such as books, computers, lab equipment and other materials that are needed for the teaching-learning process. If they do not get good education at each level, they may not even pass the grade ten national examination, which qualifies them to attend at the preparatory schools to begin with. Thus, we should clearly be able to see things in all directions. Let us support all with love and care, as they all are our brothers and sisters no matter from which area of town, village, or city they are coming.

Abraha WK.

Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association celebrated its 4th anniversary on July 18, 2007 in Las Vegas.

Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association celebrated its 4th anniversary on July 18, 2007 in Las Vegas. As always, the event was divided into two parts. One, members meeting during the day time and second was fund-raising during the night time.

Part One - Members Meeting:

During the members meeting, detailed 4 years report of Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association activity was presented to the general assembly by Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association secretary Atsbha Gebru. Among other things, the report included that the construction of Kiros Alemayohu Memorial Library in work is going to cost Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association 1.3 Million Birr and so far the Alumni Association has sent $60,000 U.S.D. ($522,000 Birr) to facilitate the construction of the Library. On the other hand, the Alumni Association has contributed $28,000 U.S.D. (237,000 Birr) for the construction of class rooms in Wukro High School.

The report also included the purchase of computers and a duplicating machine in the expense of $34,800 Birr for Atsbi and Sinkata high Schools. It was also included in the report that Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association has implemented a program that will encourage students to do better in their studies and teachers to try harder in their teaching. This program awards substantial amount of money for best performing students and teachers in Wukro, Atsbi, and Sinkata high schools. So far, 96 students and 15 teachers totally 111 individuals received the award costing the Alumni Association $35,100 Birr. The report showed that in the last 4 years, Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association has sent $96,200 U.S.D. (830,000 Birr) to Kilte-Awlaelo to support the high schools in the region.

Members also discussed about current and future projects and how to strengthen the branches. It was decided in the meeting that after the completion of the current project which is the ongoing construction of Kiros Alemayohu Memorial Library in Wukro, our next project is going to be collecting and sending books to Sinkata High School and purchasing 25 computers to Atsbi high school so that Atsbi high school can be able to open the long waiting preparatory classes (10+1 and 10+2). By the way, Atsbi High school wanted to open the preparatory classes but it was required to have 25 computers in the school in order to open those classes.

The last agenda of the meeting was to elect new board members since the current board members including the president were finished their terms. However, the general assembly called for an amendment of the association's Bylaw to lift the term restriction of the board members. After the amendment was passed, the general assembly decided not to elect new board members but to keep the current ones and to add more branch representatives to strengthen the Alumni Association branches.

Finally, the meeting was concluded by deciding a place where the 5th annual reunion will take place. It was agreed our reunion next year to be held in Oakland, CA on Saturday July 19, 2008.

Part Two -Fund-raising Night:

The fund-raising night was planed to start at 6:00 P.M. However, people did not start coming until pass 8:00 P.M. I think it was a Las Vegas thing to start the game a little bit late and have it all night long. Our Las Vegas branch representative Tewelde Girmay began the night?s program by welcoming the guests following by an announcement for guests to have a dinner that was prepared by the wohalalus of Vegas sisters. After the famous artists of Muruts Abraha, Tadesse Gebre, and Yayne Abay, played a couple sensational songs, Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association president Abraha Weldegebriel took the stage to convey his message to the audience.

Abraha started his speech by thanking Awlaelo members for standing strong together to help the schools of Kilte-Awlaelo and thanked all Tigrians/Ethiopians for supporting the Alumni Associations and Civic Organizations that are supporting Tigrai and its regions/Awrajas. When he got to the bottom of his speech, Abraha said ?when we created Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association, we did not intend to use it as a fence to separate our-selves from others. Instead, we used this organization to do more and become involved with all Alumni and civic organizations to contribute our share for a better Tigrai.? He then stressed the need for all Alumni Associations and Civic Organizations of Tigrai to come together and to create an umbrella organization that will address the need and interest of all Tigrians. He also revealed his fear by saying ?if the Alumni Associations fail to understand the great danger of division and failed to re-evaluate their strategies in creating an umbrella organization, more of our members from the districts (weredas) of Tigrai are going to establish Associations at a district (wereda) level to support the newly emerging high schools in their area; and that idea scares me a lot.

To add to Abraha's message, I would like to remind readers that Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association has been calling for the last two years for all Alumni Associations of Tigrai to get together once in three or five years. While I agreed with the message of Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association, I was also personally advocating for the creation of an umbrella organization for the last two years. As they say ?there is a time for everything and now seems to be the right time for me to explain to all Tigrians why I believe the creation of an umbrella organization is important. Therefore, I will have a separate posting regarding this subject some time soon.

Having said the above, our fund-raising night in Las Vegas was very successful. There was a special program for Tihlo and Mias, T-shirts with a picture of Kiros Alemayohu Memorial Library and Vegas land marks were sold, a laptop computer was sold $2,100 in auction of the night, and non-stop dance was continued until 4:30 A.M.

Generally speaking, the event was very successful and the fun was endless.

Finally, Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association would like to thank all Tigrians/Ethiopians who participated in the event in general and Las Vegas branch Awlaelo members in particular for making this event very successful.

Thank You, Atsbha Gebru

Reporting for Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association

THE CONSTRUCTION OF KIROS ALEMAYEHU MEMORIAL LIBRARY IN WUKRO IS ALMOST HALF WAY COMPLETED. PLEASE HELP US TO FULLY COMPLETE IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
For donation please contact us at admin@awlaelo.org

In the Spotlight

  Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association Norht America sent $40,000.00 US Dollars and is about to send additional $20,000.00 US Dollars soon to Wukro high School for the construction of Kiros Alemayohu Memorial Library.
  In the calander year of 2003-2004, It was known that Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association North America contributed $237,000.00 Ethio Birr to the construction of the four block 12 class rooms.
  The construction of Kiros Alemayohu Memorial Library in Wukro High School that is financed by Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association North America is almost half way completed.
  Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association North America sent $2,000.00 US Dollars to SINKATA HIGH SCHOOL for the purpose of buying couple computers.
  Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association North America sent $2,000.00 US Dollars to ATSBI HIGH SCHOOL to purchase a duplicating machine for the High School.
  Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association North America decided to give Monetary awards every year for best performing students and teachers of the year in WUKRO, ATSBI, and SINKATA High Schools.

A trip to Ethiopia, Tigrai - Kilte Awlaelo

Since you never stop think about awlaelo, I am sure you are eager to hear about it. I could tell you many things about my trip to Ethiopia but you may not have the time to read it all and I go straight to the points related to our Awlaelo and our Alumni Association.

The 3rd anniversary of Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association was held on July 16, 2006

The 3rd anniversary of Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association was held on July 16, 2006 in Denver, CO. It was nice to see so many new faces from all over the country. The happiness was double this year not only because many members came with their children and spouses but also most of them arrived in Denver two days earlier. Generally speaking, this year's reunion was unique in many ways. To mention few:

  The celebration was held on Sunday night instead of the usual Saturday night. The reason for the change was because of the Alumni Association's interest to celebrate its day with all its Tigrian/Ethiopian brothers and sisters living in the area. Since most of them in the area are business owners and Saturday night is their busiest night of the week, Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association chose to celebrate its reunion on Sunday night that was the day off for the business owners community in Denver and surrounding cities.

  Every Year, we used to sell T-shirts with Awlaelo School Alumni Association logo. This year, we sold T-shirts with a map of Tigrai that consists of different pictures of historical places in Tigrai. The words of "Mer'Aya Wegenawinet" and "Eid'N'Eid" were also printed on the T-shirts. By now, I am sure some of you wonder what message we are trying to convey through these t-shirts. The answer is simple. We are only trying to show our commitment and to pass the message most people asked us. Last year, Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association called for all Alumni Associations to get together once in 3 or 5 years. The reason for the call was to exchange ideas, to have fun together, and to see if we can manage to fund a mutual project in tigrai by all getting together once in 3 or 5 years. After the call, many people contacted us through e-mails, phone calls, letters, and even in person to support our idea and to encourage us to push more on the subject. Therefore, we created these t-shirts as reminders of our last years call for all Alumni Associations of Tigrai to get together once in 3 or 5 years, and also to show that we are for awlaelo but also tigrai in our mind.

  As most of you may know, Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association is building a Library in Wukro High School.The members were debating on its name for a long time and it was finally decided during our annul meeting on July 16, 2006. It is clear to every body that Kiros Alemayoh was the icon, soul, and father of tigrnya music. Kiros was a teacher, a singer, an artist, and a fighter through his music. He was sensational, loved his people and was loved by his people. Kiros was one of the very famous people not only in his birth place Kilte-Awlaelo/Tigrai but also in all over Ethiopia. With that in mind, Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association decided to name its library after him and the library will be known as "Kiros Alemayoh Memorial Library".

Ladies and Gentlemen, the 3rd anniversary celebration of Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association in Denver was very amazing. The event hall was very crowded. If it was not for the co-operation of the owners of the hall, we were running out of sitting chairs and tables. We had to add many chairs and tables in the middle of the night. The people who attended the reunion night were more than the capacity of the big hall and surely more than what we have expected. The music was great. In addition to the sensational songs of Muruts, Yayne, and Tadesse, the cultural "Kebero" was also presented and played all night long. It was my first time to touch Kebero in over 10 years and I can tell you that it still feels good. We had a good time in Denver this year and we are looking forward to having a better/best time in Las Vegas next year. Mark your calender, it will be July 18, 2007 in Vegas.

Thank You

Atsbha Gebru,
Reporting for Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association

Library Design that Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association determines to build in Wukro. Click on the following picture to view it clearly

Sponsor a student program
This year Awlaelo Shools Alumni Association has launched a new program called Sponsor a student. The sponsorship is to help needy students with school supplies such as note books, Pen/pencils, school registration fees, and similar other expenses that are important for the students academics.

Click here for Awlaelo Night Photo Gallery

Wukro, April 22, 2006 ...
Read more ...

Wukro High school Project one
Wukro High School Block I
Wukro High school project two
Wukro High School Block III

A trip to Ethiopia, Tigrai - Kilte Awlaelo

Selam Deki Adey;

Wukro, April 22, 2006
It was Saturday morning April 22 that I had my first meeting with Awlaelo Development Association committee members, Wukro woreda Administrator, and the director of Wukro High School. In the meeting, we had discussed about communication Chanel between Wukro and USA, about the Library project, and about the program of awarding best performing students and teachers in Wukro High School. I learn in the meeting for the first time that the cost to build the library was mounted to 1.3 Million Birr. I also learn the existence of Atsbi High School for the first time in the meeting even though I was aware of the High School in Sinkata. The cost of the library was more than I expected and our discussion about it caries on in to another day.

After the meeting, we toured Wukro High School including the site for the Library, Megabit 30 Elementary School, and the Agricultural College in Wukro. I finally end the day by receiving the detailed plan paper work of the library from Wedi Keshi and the documents of the students award ceremony of last year from Dawit Aregay.

Mekelle, April 29, 2006
A meeting was called in Mekelle to discuss how to strengthen Awlaelo Development Association. I was invited to the meeting and was chaired by memhir Hailemariam and Asefa Tewodros. The meeting was very moving and encouraging. We discussed all the venues and options that will put the Association in to a better position. We laid down tactics and strategies that we believe will strengthen the Association and lead it in to its success.

Atsbi, May 4, 2006
It was my first time to visit Atsbi. The reason I travel to Astbi was to see the High School I heard about in my first meeting in Wukro. It was amazing how information can be hidden from us for a long time. The High School was opened five years ago and it is very beautiful. It is more beautiful and much bigger than Wukro High School. I may not be mistaken or exaggerating if I say it might be the best high school in the region. However, like any other high school,it has its own problems. I interviewed the director of the High school Mr. Tesfamariam Arafaine and among other things, he told me that the high School urgently needs a duplicating machine. By the way, the High school was built by world vision.

Sinkata, May 8, 2006
Tekli Siwuat High School was opened two years ago in Sinkata. Three blocks of the High School was built by the public, one block by wereda Administration, another one block and one building ground plus two with 12 class rooms was built by world vision. I also interviewed the director of Tekli Siwuat High School Sinkata Mr. Berhane Tesfay and among other things, he told me that the high school immediately needs computers, printers, and books.

Wukro, May 9, 2006
On Tuesday morning May 9, I called a meeting in Wukro for a 2nd time to discuss the final points of the library project. Since the cost is more than what we expected and our Alumni Association's interest is to build the library by it self only, I asked the meeting members to come up with a solution that will accommodate our interest and meet the financial obligation. It was agreed by all participants of the meeting that our Alumni Association will do what ever it can and just in case if the woreda administration, or Awlaelo Development Association, or any organization for that matter contributes money to complete the project, the money will be count as it was a donation to us and the library will be still known as it was built only by Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association North America. Our meeting was concluded with the above agreement but the day continues with another program.

Axum Obelisk that was awarded by Wukro woreda Administration
Framed Diploma of thank you jointly prepared by Awlaelo Development Association and by Wukro Woreda Administration.

Wukro, May 10, 2006
On my final day in Wukro, few hours prior to my departure, I was interviewed by reporter Aklilu Akalu which he intends to print the interview in one of the annual magazines in Wukro. The interview was mainly concentrated on the activities of our Alumni Association and my observation of Wukro and surroundings during my stay in Kilte-Awlaelo.

In conclusion, leaving alone my personal activities in Ethiopia, I have said enough about the activities related to our Awlaelo and our Alumni Association. Therefore, I like to leave you with a final message I carried from Wukro. If any of you, by group or individually, have the interest to invest in Wukro, Wukro is waiting for you in open arms. The Woreda administrator has promised me that he will co-operate all the way to facilitate your investment projects.So go for it if you have the desire in heart. Wukro is growing faster than it was expected and any thing you do in Wukro now will be more money in the future.

Thanks
Hawkum,
Atsbha Gebru

Success of Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association Celebration (2005)

2005 Annual Meeting Report

Selam Deki Adey,

It was Saturday morning that most of us met at the Grand Westin Hotel in Washington, DC. Around 9:am, we all headed to Virginia following each other, one car behind the other as we were going to the park to celebrate a wedding. I guess it was Awlaelo?s wedding!

When we arrived in Virginia, we realized that we were about to attend the Awlaelo annual meeting. The meeting hall was crowded with many members and supporters of the Alumni Association. After every body sat down, our meeting started by introducing each other by name and the state where they came from. Then our Secretary Atsbha Gebru read the agenda and the meeting was chaired by our President Abraha Weldegebriel.

As some of you may know, there was misunderstanding among some of our members regarding the name of our Association and the Denver meeting of 2003 in general. Our first agenda was to discuss that point and as planed our meeting began from it. After open and honest discussion among all members, we had come to learn that the misunderstand was nothing else but misinterpreting of words. Based on mutual understanding among all members that the misunderstanding was not intended to hurt any one or had no hidden agenda, we all agreed to put aside our differences and to work together as hands and gloves.

The second agenda was to elect board members who will serve for the next two years. The general assembly re-elected nine of the board members who were serving for the last two years and elected two new once by departing two from the previous board members. The reason for the departure was, one because of her move out of the United States and the second one for having very busy schedule which does not allow him to take responsibilities of the Alumni Association.

Our third agenda was to discuss a point that will bring together all Alumni Associations and developmental non-political organizations of Tigrai. The general assembly agreed to work for the practicality of this agenda and to call up on all Alumni Associations and developmental non-political organizations of Tigrai to get together and to host general fund raising night at least once in three or five years. Not only that but, to go beyond the above point and to discuss for a creation of one Tigrai Alumni Association or somewhat similar that will benefit all Tigrai and Tigrians as one people and one region.

Finally, we concluded our meeting by deciding our next annul meeting and fund raising night to be hosted in Denver, CO in the third weekend of July 2006. Over all, the sprit of the meeting was very interesting and very moving. It was meaningful and fruitful.

Tune for the news of Awlaelo night!!!

Thanks
Hawkum, Atsbha Gebru
Awlaelo Night

Selam Deki Adey,
I am not sure if we should call our 2nd anniversary celebration Awlaelo night or Awlaelo nights. The hosting branch named it Awlaelo night but for me I like to call it Awlaelo nights; because we had celebrated two nights.

It was all started on Saturday night at the church of the Nativity. Guests arrived a little late than it was planned. I believed the late arrival was caused by the heavy rain that came down around 9:00 pm.

After Haileselassie Belay who is the Dc branch representative welcomed our guests, he left the stage for our President Abraha Weldegebriel.

Abraha's speech was firm and to the point. He convey the message that Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association is open and ready to work with all Alumni Associations and non-political organization. He also called up on all Tigrians to work together and to strengthen our unity by creating a common ground that will bring all the Alumni Associations together.

Our entertainers artist Miruts, Yayne, and Tadesse took over the stage from Abraha. Their sensational songs attracted all guests and the dance floor was crowded by many people. Every body had a good time and enjoyed every minute of the night.

During the period of fund-raising, most of our guests and members participated in making contributions.

After the contribution program was concluded, Tegaru Youth Association of DC area took the stage. They bring a framed beautiful picture of a woman with her child on her back and sold it by making a bid (chireta). The money collected from this bidding was donated to Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association.

There were also two items sold by lottery. The items were one cultural dress that was donated by Marta Hailesselassie and One Ga-wan with our Alumni logo that was donated by Mulugeta Gebru and Tadelech Hishe.

Our own cultural food "Tihlo" was served in the event. Hats and T-shirts with Awlaelo Alumni logo were also sold.

Saturday night was fun and successful. To your surprise, the fun and enjoyment did not stop on Saturday night. It goes on to Sunday night.

Miruts and Yayne make them selves available to entertain us on Sunday night in Axum Restaurant. Almost all Awlaelowyans who attend Saturday night gather together again on Sunday night. We took the upper stage of Axum restaurant and dance all night long until the should falls off.

We had two nights non-stop fun; that was why I wanted to call it Awlaelo nights on my introduction. Our 2nd anniversary celebration was beautiful and successful.

I am looking forward to doubling our fun and our success in Denver next year.
Thank you
Hawkum, Atsbha Gebru

Success of Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association Celebration (2004)
The 1st anniversary of Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association was celebrated on August 14, 2004 in Boston, MA. Members from all over the country including Canada were participated. The day's program was divided in to two parts.
One, members meeting and second, dinner & fund-raising party.

Members meeting took place starting around 2:00PM with a video message sent from Wukro. The video explained and demonstrated the current activities and developments in Wukro specially the improvement of Wukro High School. Then, Our chairman Abraha Weldegebriel briefed members the year's activities including the financial status of Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association North America. He also stated our plan for the next year.

After the general assembly passed amendment to our bylaw, it elected one more board member in addition to the board members elected last year. As a result of this election, the number of Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association board members increased to 10 in stead of 9.

The meeting was concluded by deciding the 2nd anniversary of Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association to be celebrated in Washington, D.C. on the 3rd weekend of July 2005.

The second phase of the day began around 6:00PM. The party prepared by proud awlaelowyan of Boston and Maine residents was amazing. Enjera, Himbasha, Tihlo, Mieas was presented in the party. T-shirts and hats with Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association Logo were sold in the party. A Video of establishment of Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association meeting (last year's Denver meeting) was also sold on our festival in Boston.

All guests and members enjoyed the party every minute of it. The dance floor was crowded with beautiful women and handsome men of awlaelona and Tigraina in general. Tadesse Gebru and his partner entertained us with their best Tigrnya and Amharic songs.

During the time of the fund-raising, all people who attended the party opened their wallets widely. Our members who did not get a chance to attend the festival also sent their contributions with their representatives. The sum of the contribution collected on the night was far more than what we expected. It was fun and it was very successful.

Finally, I would like to thank all our Bostonian and Mainean brothers and sisters of awlaelona for making this happen. This success was a result of their hard work.
I am looking forward to seeing this successful event repeated in Washington, D.C. next year.

Thank You,
Atsbha Gebru

As you all remember, we have been talking for months to hold general Awlaelo meeting. This historical and meaningful event had took place on July 5, 2003 in Denver, CO. The meeting was very successful and members from several states of the United States were attended. Members from California, Washington State, Oregon, Nevada, Texas, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and off course Colorado were participated on the meeting.

The General Assembly had discussed and adopted the Bylaws of the association. After a long discussion of the importance of having appropriate name for our Association, the name of our association was decided by a majority vote of the participants to be known as AWLAELO SCHOOLS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION.

An election of a board members was also conducted. The general Assembly had elected NINE members to the board of Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association.
These are:
Abraha Weldegeriel Chairman

Atsbha Gebru Secretary

Gebregiorgis Teklu Treasurer

Yemane Gebru Auditor

Haileselassie Belay Public Relations

Mulugeta Gebru Public Relations

Kiros Hagos Public Relations

Abdelrahim Negash Public Relations

Nigsti m. Singleton Public Relations
The Bylaws of the Awlaelo Schools Alumni Association will be distributed to all members some time in the next few weeks. A video of the meeting, including the dinner party we had in Mosob Restaurant will be also distributed sometime soon. However, since we are in a mission of collecting funds to help the needy students of Kilte-Awlaelo, we have thought that putting a price tag on the Video might not be bad.After all, this Video is documentary and we can pass it from generation to generation with pride.
Therefore, please buy this Video when it arrives in your area and also please make every effort to sell to other people you know as well.

Besides the successful and delightful meeting, we, the members who participated on this blessed meeting, had enjoyed every minute of our stay in Denver. We had met our former friends, Classmates, people we know long time ago, and got to know new faces of our brothers and sisters of awlaelo'na. In addition, our loved and dedicated brothers and sisters of Awlaelo origin who live in Denver made this event fun filled, enjoyable, and memorable. Thanks to our brothers and sisters generosity, we had a dinner party in Mosob Restaurant in their expenses. Not only that but we were also very welcome in every members house in Denver and surrounding Cities.

I do not think I can be able to tell it all because it is too many to list but instead I would like to thank them all in general for their Hospitality even though, all Denver brothers and Sisters made us proud of them, some of our brothers and sisters went beyond our expectation. To mention few, the lunch we had in the home of our brother Abraha Weldegebriel was amazing.

Ranging from different kinds of drinks to many verity of delicious foods were fantastic. "Etu Metsian Ziakil Zilzil Tibsi Kisab Kezi Yireayeni Alo".

I am sure others feel the same too. How about the "Suwa" brewed by our sister Alemat and the story behind of it? Are you guys washed your clothes yet? It was very funny when the Suwa from the big bottle exploded as a bomb and landed on every person who was in the house. It was really funny.

Thank you very much Denver brothers and sisters for making this event unforgettable.

Hawkum, Atsbha

Dear all,
I guess I am late, but I haven't seen yet the event yet reported. Here is my brief report.
There has been an inaugural ceremony of the three blocks (12 classes) The previous weekend.the school prepared a wonderful ceremony with a very big das in the school compound. The town was decorated with Ethiopian flag and banners that mark the importance of education and the ceremony.

The committee slaughtered oxen, thus we had a delicious tibs and kurt sandwiches, T-shits, Kolo, and other items were also on sale. The Municipality offered a land for auction and it was auctioned in a very nice price. It was quite impressive to see the people participating in the development endovers. Lots of fun and laughter, and generosity.

The band invited entertained the people and they made the event quite live. Though i was late for the dance I have seen how people who danced were tired, barely left with the energy to go home.
In general the spirit of the people was so encouraging that it was to the committee's satisfaction that the out come was beyond expectation. According to my informal info, more than 100,000 birr was collected, out of which 80% was in cash collected on the spot. I am confident you will have a formal report from the committee when they are done with the activities of the ceremony.
All I can say is the fire of development you ignited there has began to flame here. Many are very greatful for what you are doing there. So please go on with more zeal and acceleration. Success to the coming gathering you are gonna have!
Mengistu