Exploring the potential of Rural Areas in South Omo
Arriving in Omorate, we find ourselves in a small town, where cloud cover means that there is no cell phone reception, because the cell tower is powered by an array of 10 solar panels. And the most sturdy structure was the bridge over the Omo river that is the key waterline for the farmers in the area.
We are travelling together with his Eminence Abuna Philipos and Abuna Gerima, to visit several monestaries and experience Abuna Philipos Diozese. To reach the Buska monestary we need to leave the road and drive several kilometers in land.
Steel Bridge over the Omo river
Arriving at the monasteries land border
Arriving at the out permit-er of the monestary we are greeted by the local tribal children, the monestary provides schooling and other essential services. The Buska Monestary is made up of 150 nuns and an equal amount of monks in less than a year they constructed several small churches and other buildings in the area. The monestary further more produces honey and textiles for the church itself. While managing 500 hectares of farm land.
Monks and Nuns receiving blessings
Even in the humid heat the monks and nuns dont idle there is a constant business and productivity. After asking his Eminence, he explains that in Ethiopian monasteries idleness is highly discouraged and that faith is lived by service to god and the surrounding community.
After lunch its back into the field, together with the Agricultural manager of the monastery we visit the currently dormant water pump, the strait of Hormuz crisis has reached the country side faster than the big cities, many fields at danger to dry out without Diesel to run the pumps. We decide one of the first things to do is to arrange for solar pumps and cover the current immediate need for Diesel. With that our first day in Omorate finds its end.
Inside the new church
On our last day we are there for a big celebration a new church is being consecrated, and from farmer and nomad to local mayor, regional governor and chief of police the whole area is in attendance. It becomes more and more clear the church is more than just a spiritual anchor for the community it is the community in Omorate.
Left to right (Joanna Mierziewska Rosiak, Abuna Philipos, Dr. Mitslal Kifleyesus Matschie, Abuna Gerima, Fellow Donor from Addis Ababa, General Manager of the Buska Monestary)
After driving back to Jinka and before flying to Addis Ababa we visit the churchs Elementary and Preschool. One thing is immediately clear, even though the church runs and funds the schools, children from all denomination study together as equals.
Morning attendance at the primary school
Morning assembly at the pre-school
One thing has become abundantly clear on this short yet intensive trip, the country side holds the countries largest challenges and simultaneously its most exciting potential. The best partner to address the former and unleash the later is the Ethiopian Orthodox Church more than 1000 years of tradition coupled with discipline, rigorous focus on education and understanding of the nations true soul. We as Ecopia are humbled to have the opportunity to be part of the next chapter in the region together with the church.