Ethiopian YMCA

Doctor Berhanu Tadesse Taye and Doctor Amanual Ottoro were guests of the Nechako Rotary Club today. Both of these gentlemen are members of the YMCA in Ethiopia. Dr. Berhanu provided a detailed presentation of the YMCA in Ethiopia that was originally founded in 1947. This program was then focused on Literacy and youth programs, including Camping and Vocational School training for youth. The YMCA was "Frozen" and Closed for a number of years due to Marxist Rule and not re-opened again until 1992. At this time they developed an new Strategy for Youth and Women in Ethiopian YMCA's and have 6 separate YMCA Centres. Ethiopia works with many other countries in the development and delivery of their YMCA programs. For this reason, Dr. Berhanu and Ottoro are visiting the Prince George YMCA this week. Dr. Berhanu is also a Rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow in Ethiopia. Rotarian PDG Ron Neukomm thanked Dr. Berhanu for his presentation with a Donation to our Shelter Box Canada Program, and a Nechako Club Banner to take back to his home Club in Ethiopia.