The Eminence ll, April 2016

Š EMINENCE - Freecopy ISSUE 18-April 2016

THE

EMINENCE

REVITALIZING

Simien Mountains National Park

Arba Minch: The Land of Ample Resources

Banks Tapping Into the Tourism Sector

Hoteliers Mixed Feeling towards New Star Ratings

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CONTENTS Eminence Spotlight

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8. Banks Tapping Into the Tourism Sector 10. The Astonishing Journey of the Young Courageous Entrepreneur: Interview with Hiwot Gashaw

Hospitality 3600 14. Revitalizing Simien Mountains National Park 18. Vine: A Restaurant with Garden in the Middle of a Building 20. Hoteliers Mixed Feeling towards New Star Ratings

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Cultural Panorama 22. Arba Minch: The Land of Ample Resources 24. Schools with No Playgrounds, Teach Kids Not to Play 26. Ethio-Djibouti Relations: Foundations for Possible Integration 30. Ethiopian Traditional Instruments on the Verge of Being Replaced By Modern Ones

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Made in Ethiopia 32. One Salad a Day for a Healthier, Leaner Self 34. Local Leather Products Get Traction in Domestic Market 36. Traditional Designs with the Hospitality Sector 38. Lalibela: Bete Gebrael-Rufael Church Conservation and Consolidation Project

Reflections

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40. Hunting in Ethiopia: What to Know Before doing It 41. The Unexpressed Bond between My Children and You

Entertaiment 42. The Eminence Pick of the Month 43. Recipe and Tourist Corner 44. Classifieds

Asnake Amanuel ( Founder ) aamanuel@eminence-se.com

EDITOR’S

Dawit Kebede ( CEO ) Dkebede@eminence-se.com Managing Editor Tsewaye Muluneh tmuluneh@eminence-se.com

NOTE Choosing accommodations and other services of a hotel for customers in a competitive hospitality and tourism market is common. Most customers rely on the grading of the hotel as per their preference. Starting from the Deluxe and 5 star ratings to backpacker’s accommodation the hospitality industry provides different kinds of accommodations and services as per the needs and desires of customers. This grading system gives different meanings to different customers. The accommodation is accompanied by a variety of products such as food and beverage, 24 hour room service, swimming pool, recreational activities, shopping centers, access to internet and others which are the basis for the hotel’s grading and the star designation.

On the other hand, this hotel grading helps service providers on which area they need to work hard, what to improve and what to preserve. It’s also helps the service provider to compete in a matured market where the consumer is price and quality conscious.

Under these circumstances a customer relies on grading of the establishment.

It has been six months now since the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MoCT) implemented its hotel grading system in the capital, Addis Ababa. It was news for most of the service providers as the unexpected happened to most of them. Only four hotels (now reached to five) were rated to have five stars.

And since March 2016, this grading has gone to the regions and the first region to experience the grading system was the Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s Region (SNNPR). According to the report from Ethiopian Tourism Organization (ETO), Haile Resort, Ker-Awud, South Star International Hotel and Lewi Resort @EminencEthiopia

Eminence-se Entrepreneurs

Editor-in- Chief Frehiwot Gebrewold fgebrewold@eminence-se.com Lideta s.c Woreda 04 H. No 175

were graded to be 4 stars. Central Hotel, Gezahegn & Elfnesh Hotel and Resort and Oasis International Hotel- all in Hawassa and Rediet Asefa International Hotel in Butajira, were given three stars rating.

One hotel in Dilla and two in Hawassa were awarded two stars, while seven hotels received one star rating.

What the MoCT and ETO are regarding grading and staring tremendous job especially for and resorts that are located on destinations.

doing is a hotels tourist

The SNNPR of the country is one of the major tourist destinations. Standard hotels are hence required to increase the flow of tourists as well as generate more income for the tourism sector. However, this hotel grading system is leaving a very big assignment to those who are in the tourism sector. As per the report the total number of hotels and resorts that presented themselves for the grading were only 41. And to the worst, only 28 of them were qualified for the grading while 13 of them failed. The number of hotels and resorts that presented themselves is very low by itself. As one of the growing tourist destination areas, more expected from our regions. And what happened from the grading in SNNPR shows that the country has a shortage in standard hotels and resorts that are at par with guests and tourists.

It is imperative that hotels and resorts look towards raising their game by providing both convenience and comfort to their guests.

Star ratings should mean about the various amenities offered in the establishment putting it head above shoulders in respect to its competition rather than its impression of the establishment.

facebook.com/EminencEthiopia

pinterest.com/EminencEthiopia

Deputy Editor-in- Chief Fasika Tadesse ftadesse@eminence-se.com Nifas Silk Laphto s.c Woreda 12 H. No 747 Senior Editor Helina Abraham habraham@eminence-se.com Reporters Henok Solomon hsolomon@eminence-se.com Ruth Girma rgirma@eminence-se.com Regular Contributors Brook Abdu jambong52@gmail.com Kaleab Hailu khailu@gmail.com Lucy Kassa lucykassa6@gmail.com Contributors Hailu Zeleke Nandita Berry Editor Samson Haileyesus samsonfikre@gmail.com Copy Editor Carolyn Curti cutyrmc@yahoo.com Graphics and Layout Design Atnafu Yilma Website Administrator Samson Tegegn Photographer Sentayehu Bekele Sbekele@eminence-se.com Finance and Administration Tizita Paulos Distribution Tariku Tessema Editorial Address:

Tel. +251-118-678-187 Mob. +251-939-858-724 P.O Box 794 code 1110 contact@eminence-se.com/ social@eminence-se.com Web:www.theeminencemagazine.com www.eminencemagazine.com Bole s.c Namibia Street, Behind Edna Mall, Adika Bldg 5th Floor This edition is printed at Central PP Kirkos Subcity, Woreda 03 H.No 414 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

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News Highlights nhlearninggroup.com

www.fbc.com

http://www.aau.edu.et/

Ethiopia celebrated the 120th Adwa victory in different parts of the country. Minister of Culture & Tourism Engineer Ayisha Mohammed said, Ethiopia is an example of independence for Africans. She also said her ministry will give priority to establish museum in the historical town, Adwa and also preparation is done to establish Adwa Pan African University.

Addis Ababa University College of Performing and Visual Arts and Yared Music School in collaboration with EU organized the 1st international music conference at Yared Music School from Marh 7 – 8, 2016 with the main purpose of laying the foundation for the traditional music program.

Haile Resort, Lewi Hotel & Resort, Ker-Awud and South Star International Hotels rated four stars from Hawassa. Rediet Asefa Hotel in Butajira; Gezahegn & Elfnesh Hotel & Resort and Central & Oasis in Hawassa were given three stars. Out of the 41 hotels and resorts deemed eligible for grading, only 28 of them were classified.

http://www.ebc.et

Italian president Sergio Mattarella, arrived in Addis Ababa on March 13, 2016 being the first Italian president to visit Ethiopia in almost two decades. The president held meetings and discussions with EFDR’s President, Mulatu Teshome (PhD), and Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn over various bilateral issues.

Ethiopian Youth Academy of Science organized a Science Communication Workshop for journalists and scientist on how information should be given to journalists and how journalists should present the information they get. The workshop took place at the head office of the Academy on March 17, 2016.

Ethiopian Airlines marked International Women’s day, March 8, with an All-Women Operated Flight dispatched on the Addis Ababa – Kigali route. The flight is aimed at further strengthening Ethiopian corporate conviction of “Women Empowerment for a Sustainable Growth”. The crew was welcomed warmly at the Kigali International Airport.

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Photo by: Sintayehu Bekele

www.facebook.com/Ethiopianairlines/photos

Science Communication Workshop

With a tagline “Traditionally Indian and Incredibly Tasty”, Indian Safari Exclusive Restaurant opened its door for Indian cuisine lovers starting from March, 2016.

The restaurant is located on Yoly Hotel Building. With the increasing number of international restaurants in the city, the opening of this restaurant will give alternatives for international meal lovers.

Event: Specialized International Exhibition in Tourism & Travel Date: May 12 – 16, 2016 Venue: Addis Ababa Exhibition Center

Specialized International Exhibition in Tourism and Travel is an event designed to promote tourist attractions of Ethiopia to the business community and the general public. This event will bring in a host of technology suppliers who will introduce the latest and most innovative technologies related to travel and tourism sector.

Event: Agrifex Ethiopia Date: May 12 – 16, 2016 Venue: TBD

Agrifex Ethiopia is a 5 day event to be held from 12th May- 16th May, 2016 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This event will bring together technology suppliers and seekers and facilitate the transfer of technology in agriculture and food sectors in the Agriculture & Forestry, Business Services industries.

http://www.uneca.org

http://www.addischamber.com

www.edexpo.catalystexpo.com

Events April/May

Event: 17th Session of the Regional Coordination Mechanism for Africa Date: April 2 - 3 April 2016 Venue: UNECA

The 7th Session of Regional Coordination Mechanism for Africa (RCM-Africa) will take place on 2 -3 April 2016 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in the UNECA. The theme for this year’s session is “United Nations Support to the AU for the Implementation of Agenda 2063 and Sustainable Development Goals”.

www.un.org Event: Fourth High Level Forum on UN Global Geospatial Information Management Date: April 20 – 22, 2016 Venue: UNECA

The United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM), in collaboration with the Government of Ethiopia and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), will host the 4th High Level Forum on United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management at UNECA’s Headquarters from 20-22 April 2016.

Addis Chamber Training Institute will conduct a training program entitled “Introduction to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs)” from April 18-22, 2016 for five half-days from 8:30A.M. – 12:30P.M.

Event: Ethiopia Print & Pack Expo Date: April 12 - 16 2016 Venue: TBD

www.eventbrite.com

Event: An Introduction to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Date: April 18 – 22, 2016 Venue: Mexico Square at the premises of Addis Chamber

Event: Yuir’s Night Date: April 12, 2016 Venue: Russian Center of Science and Culture

Yuri’s Night is a global celebration of humanity’s past, present and future in space and celebrated every April in commemoration of Yuri Gagarin becoming the first human to venture into space on April 12, 1961, and the inaugural launch of the first Space Shuttle on April 12, 1981.

Ethiopia Print & Pack Expo is a 5 day event that showcases products like Printing & Packaging Equipment, Printing & Packaging Machinery, Flexible Packaging, Corrugated Packaging, Woven sacks, Plastic bags, Disposable products & paper etc. in the Industrial Products industry.

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EMINENCE SPOTLIGHT: ETHIO-TOPICAL

BANKS TAPPING Photo by: buzznigeria.com

into Tourism Sector

Facts and figures show that the number of tourist flowing to Ethiopia is increasing year after year. Unlike the previous years the majority of tourists coming to Ethiopia are business tourists who spend more contrasting leisure tourists. In order to smoothen the payment and transaction system for these tourist banks are thriving enough to introduce digital banking services. The Eminence’s HELINA ABRAHAM, presents what banks offer for tourists.

For Sanjeev Midha, the 54 years old financial engineer who owns a technology company in United States of America (USA), Ethiopia is one of the 115 countries he has visited across the world, including 13 countries located within the African continent. He visited Ethiopia for the second time after coming with his wife Sunita Midha in 2013.

Following the good experience he encountered during his stay in Ethiopia, Midha plans to come back to Ethiopia for the third time next year, again with his wife. He likes the friendly community which is the major reason for his decision to visit Ethiopia again. But he recalls the challenges he faced in getting foreign exchange services to convert dollars to birr.

He says that it was not easy for him to get exchange services at many of the service providers, except the big hotels. Many businesses do not accept payments in dollar.

He had to constantly visit banks to change currencies. During his 20 days stay in the city he visited banks three times to convert his hard currency to local birr. He also used

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a Forex Automated Teller Machines (ATM) to get birr.

“When I compare my experience in Ethiopia with other neighbouring African countries such as Kenya and Tanzania, foreign exchange technologies such as international cards and Forex ATMs are at very infant and limited stages here,” Midha told The Eminence.

Tourists like Midha are sources of foreign currency for banks beyond the revenue it contributes to the tourism and hospitality industry. Tourism is a major source of foreign currency for the national economy, along with remittance, export, and loans and grants. The banks get enormous amounts of foreign currency from tourists who arrive to the country. They earn revenues by purchasing foreign currency from tourists, at the same time they provide foreign exchange for tourists.

During the 2014/15 fiscal year all Ethiopian commercial banks purchased foreign currencies worth 364.7 million dollars.

This is nearly 10 percent of the country’s

foreign currency earnings from exports, according to a data from the National Bank of Ethiopia.

Even though electronic banking (ATMs, Point of Sell (PoS), Internet and mobile banking) are at an infant stage in the country, the trend is gradually growing year by year. Nowadays banks are rushing towards enhancing their electronic banking services by expanding their ATM and PoS terminals. From their expansion of facilities Forex ATM terminals which accepts international plastic cards are the major services targeted to meet tourists’ needs.

Logistically Forex ATMs make it smoother for tourists to exchange money at their convenience. And when the international charge cards are working in the country it encourages tourists to spend more since they won’t be limited by the money they have in their pocket.

Even if the technologies are not expanding in a level to fully satisfy tourists like Midha, some Ethiopian commercial banks are working aggressively to expand their

facilities. The largest Ethiopian private bank, Dashen Banks S.C is one of the banks which focus on establishing these facilities.

All of Dashen’s 220 ATM and 400 PoS terminals receive and give services if a tourist comes with international cards such as Master Card, Visa, Chain Union or American Express (AmEx). In addition Dashen has deployed five Forex ATM machines which convert hard currency to birr at major locations in the city including the airport, Intercontinental, Ghion, and Sheraton Addis Hotels and the Bank’s headquarters.

According to Estifanos Befekadu, head of promotions division at Dashen, his bank has been aggressively working on attracting tourists to the country since 2003. “Starting 2003 we have been working with members of Barclays Bank of London to attract tourists through promoting at a few select hotels,” he said. Dashen started giving full-fledged services for tourists starting in 2006, according to Estifanos.

and 5,000 PoS machines also receive and give services for two international cards: Visa and Master Card. Beyond that the Bank also has special windows to provide foreign exchange services at 1,014 of its branches in addition to its four Forex Bureaus dedicated for foreign exchange services, making it easily accessible to tourists.

In addition the bank is in the process of deploying additional 50 Forex, 6,000 PoS and 400 ATM terminals.

The returns that the Bank is getting is promising, according to Ephrem. “Before making these options available five years ago, we couldn’t earn more than two billion dollars in foreign currency but now it has grown to five billion dollars a year,” Ephrem told The Eminence.

CBE has 51 Forex ATMs deployed in Addis Ababa and major tourist attraction sites around the country including Gondar, Bahir Dar and Lalibela. The Bank is also on an inspection process to deploy additional 50 Forex ATMs. In addition, CBE’s operational 643 ATMs

“We are planning to install ATMs which accept international credit cards such as Master, Visa, AmEx and Union Pay after the national payment system, Et-Switch, becomes operational,” said Abe Sano, President of OIB. Et-Switch is a consortium of all banks to install a payment system which enables them to share ATMs and PoS using an Electronic Fund Transfer switch system.

In addition it will enable all banks in Ethiopia to electronically transfer funds and clear cheques between themselves.

And the project is near completion since it began in 2011.

Radisson Blu a five star hotel in Addis Ababa is one of the service providers that offer various services for tourists.

Radisson receives payments from tourists who come in with birr, US dollars, British pound and Euro currencies. But it has the option of electronic payments for tourists who don’t carry hard currencies.

Photo by: Sintayehu Bekele

Communication Manager of CBE Ephrem Mekuria said, “We have foreign exchange transactions with full-function ATM service, including cash withdrawals that are available for international cards.”

Not only CBE and Dashen are working towards rolling out the new technologies, but the relatively younger bank Oromia International Bank (OIB) is also considering installation of ATM terminals that accept international credit cards.

According to Abe, OIB is giving Forex services at all of its 178 branches of which 67 percent are located in rural areas, mostly in the tourist destination areas.

During the first half of the year Dashen generated 87 million dollar by providing foreign exchange services and by receiving international charge cards for tourists, according to Estifanos. He said the amount is almost equivalent to the export earning from processed and semi-processed hides and skins.

Not only Dashen, which provides banking services for tourists but also the state owned giant, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) has drawn its target on increasing its foreign currency earnings from different sources including deploying Forex ATMs and receiving international credit cards with its ATM and PoS machines.

of the total amount of foreign currency compared to all of the commercial banks having done in 2014/15 fiscal year.

A tourist using his international plastic card to withdraw cash from the ATM machine located at Harmony Hotel.

From the 4.8 billion dollar foreign currency earned by CBE during the 2014/15 fiscal year, 293 million dollar of it was earned from foreign currency purchases. This means CBE alone purchased 80 percent

“Our guests can bring a Visa, MasterCard, or AmEx to settle their payments for services they receive at our hotel,” said Heran Shitaw, executive pubic relation and social media officer of Radisson.

Ethiopia’s banking services for tourists are growing and getting better positions, even if they are not fully satisfactory. It is also stepping to advanced services such as prestigious cards. For instance last year Dashen introduced American Express which is for users who have high money spending habits. Moreover the bank is introducing new cards such as Dashen Green and Golden American Express card which provide 10 percent discounts for its customers

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EMINENCE SPOTLIGHT: INTERVIEW

The astonishing journey of the young courageous entrepreneur Born in Bishoftu (Debre Ziet), Hiwot Gashaw was only four years old when her parents got divorced. Because of this incident Hiwot and her two sisters lived in separate places. One of her sisters stayed with their father and the other went to their grandmother. Hiwot’s aunt brought her to Addis Ababa and raised her. She enrolled in Tesfa Elementary School. After that she went to SOS High School and continued her education up to tenth grade. By then, life was difficult and challenging for Hiwot. However; the problems she faced since childhood did not make Hiwot weak rather she became stronger and more creative. Today with her magnificent entrepreneurial ideas, Hiwot has become a role model and inspiration for many young Ethiopians. Currently, Hiwot owns her own design line called Abugida and has a shop on Laphto Mall in Addis Ababa. The 25 year old designer, entrepreneur and fashion model sat down with The Eminence’s HELINA ABRAHAM and shared her experience and success.

What did your childhood looks like?

Since I was four I lived with my aunt in a neighbourhood called Vatican in Addis Ababa. As you know, it is not as comfortable as growing up with your parents. There are things you miss from your life. But the challenges I faced in my childhood helped me to be stronger.

Sometime when there is no bump in the road and when somebody is always there to solve problems for you, you tend to need a hand to solve your problems. I grew up solving my own problem; therefore, whenever there is a problem in my life I am always determined to solve it. And if I had a family that supported me I wouldn’t be this person that I am today.

When did you realize you had a passion for fashion?

I used to make my own toys from floor mops and different leftover garments ever since I was four years old. So, whenever my family found that they had lost a piece of cloth or floor mops they always came to me.

I even used to redesign my aunt’s husband’s clothes and wear them. I remember going out looking elegant and chic and no one could tell I was wearing redesigned man’s clothes.

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When did you know that you required professional guidance and education?

Amsale Aberra, an Ethio-American designer specialising in couture bridal and dinner dresses and entrepreneur, inspired me when I saw her interview with Oprah. That’s when I decided to be a designer like her. After some days I heard on the radio that designer Sara Mohammed, founder of Next Fashion Design, was giving scholarship opportunities for 30 women who could not afford to pay for their tuition.

I went to register a day after the deadline I arrived late as I had to get a certificate showed I could not afford to pay for school. They told me their list was full because I was late. I went home very disappointed. But finally with the support of my cousin I was able to attend class at Next Design School. I can say that was one of the happiest days in my life. I stood first among the class and graduated with a medal.

How was your stay at Next Fashion Design School?

It was hard to compete with the rest of my classmates because they had families who could provide them with support which I did not have. In the final competition I

had to buy expensive garments which I couldn’t afford. I had to sell tickets to buy it.

In the meantime, I found a school that teaches me embroidery for free. I started to attend the classes without telling my family because they would have forbidden me. Since they didn’t give me extra money, I had to walk from Hayahulet to Shola by foot to attend the classes. Sometimes I didn’t even eat breakfast.

For my graduation’s design I asked my embroidery teacher to give me a garment promising that I would return the design after I was done with the competition.

She gave me a piece of cloth but I couldn’t get a decent cloth out of it because it was too small; I ended up making a dress that is shorter in front and longer at the back. But finally I received a trophy and a medal for winning the competition.

After graduation I faced another challenge. My aunt asked me to leave her house saying she couldn’t accept my staying with her after I graduated. Then I went to my father’s siblings.

Tell me about your professional life after graduating from Next Fashion Design?

After graduation I immediately got a job at Ethio-Craft School, as head of the embroidery department with a monthly salary of 600 ETB. Meanwhile, I bought a sewing machine with the 300 ETB gift from my cousin when I won the medal at Next Fashion Design.

While teaching at Ethio-Craft in the morning sessions, I made dresses at night using my new sewing machine. It helped me save money. Afterwards, I got hired at Mercy Chaplet Designing School to substitute for a teacher who was on a maternity leave, I was paid 1,500 ETB. I worked three days a week for half a day. I was happy to have that money but it was only for three months. My students were commercial sex workers. We had good communication as I was teaching and following up with them. They refused to take back their previous teacher.

While working there I managed to buy one more sewing machine.

My last job was at Abune Zena Markose School with a monthly salary of 2,500 ETB.

When did you open your own shop, i.e Abugida?

Hiwot dressed with one of the cloths she designed for Dumuye 2016 collection Gambela booklet.

When my students from Abune Zena Markos graduated I thought about opening a shop, but I did not have money at the time. I asked the students to work with me without salary until we started making profits and agreed to share our profits. From my 16 students, ten of them agreed to join me.

Gradually we started making a profit and bought more sewing machines. To make more money we even used to clean houses. Later the government saw our efforts and gave us 120 square meters of land for five years to use it as a workshop. Out of my ten students, four of them left eventually and currently six are working with me.

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EMINENCE SPOTLIGHT: INTERVIEW

CNN start-up Africa in its report presented me as “The young entrepreneur who has passion for fashion” after they interviewed me and visited my workshop.

In addition, in their report they said I am fusing traditional Ethiopian designs with contemporary Western styles.

Reuters also stated my works as “Innovative”. Vogue Italia presented me as “a young entrepreneur” in their magazine.

All African also labelled me as “The young designer that stole the night vibe on the runway”.

The New York-based designing school, Parsons Paris, named me as one of the five individuals that are controlling Ethiopian fashion industry along with Betlehem Tilahun, Mahelt Afework and Liya Kebede.

When I was 22, I was selected as one of the top 25 African young entrepreneurs for the Anzisha Prize, Africa’s foremost youth entrepreneurship awards. In 2015, I was awarded the Most Valuable Entrepreneur of the year by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). And I came up second in UNDP’s award as a young female entrepreneur of the year.

Photo by: Sintayehu Bekele

I proposed my plan to our first lady Roman Tesfaye and got the green-light.

To proceed I approached Dr. Tewodros Adhanom, Minister of Foreign Affairs, to help me to select models from Gambella.

He introduced me to Gatluak Tut Khot, president of Gambella region, who was happy and assisted me with the task.

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I just finished the detailed process with Ethiopian Textile Industry Development Institute. I was promised by Gambella’s President to provide me with 2,000 hectares of land when I submit the feasibility study.

You have selected models from Gambela and empowered them, how was that?

I was part of the 9th Ethiopian Nation and Nationalities and People’s celebration day that was marked in Assossa, Benshangul Gumuz. I was fascinated by the ladies from Gambella and was inspired to give them the chance to model my designs. I am hear because Sara Mohammed gave me a chance. Thus I wanted to give back.

I heard you have been called out as one of the five designers that are dominating the Ethiopian fashion business; please tell me about that and the awards you have received as well?

and adult wear.

After a long eight days process, I selected seven models and brought them to Kuriftu Resort and Spa in Bishofwtu for ten days of training before the competition. Finally we received the third place in all Ethiopian designers’ competition. We had our own song for the runway. The singer was from Gambella and the song’s message was about women’s ability to learn and work. I was the only designer who brought models from a regional state.

The incident taught me that my involvement should not stop with only designing but it should go beyond in contributing to the growth of the industry.

I believe our fashion industry can grow and have the power to support our economy. For example, if we grow organic cotton in Ethiopia, it can be used as an economic boosting strategy. Recently, I started planning to grow organic cotton that can be exported and used for children

Photo by: Abugida Fashion

Several international media are covering you. Can you tell me about that?

A model from Gambela clad with a cloth designed by Hiwot for the All Ethiopian Designers Competition

How about your relationship with Bahir Dar University? How did you establish contact with them?

Dr. Baylie Damtie President of the University, which is the only university that gives fashion designing course, saw CNN’s programme about me and invited me to give a motivational speech for their fourth year students. Then we agreed to work in partnership.

Do you think that your clothes are affordable?

Of course, I sell my clothes between 250 to 6,000 ETB. I believe locally made clothes should be casual cloth replacing imported textiles. To make that happen the clothes should be affordable for all Ethiopians

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HOSPITALITY 3600: HOSPI-TOURISM

Photo by: www.nathab.com

The boundaries of the National Park has been re-demarked. The size of the park has also increased from 138 Km2 to 412 Km2.

Revitalizing Simien Mountains National Park Located about 849 Kms away from the capital Addis Ababa in the northern highlands of Gondar, in the Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia, the Simien Mountains National Park is an exotic setting with unique wildlife and breathtaking views on a landscape shaped by nature.

Endemic animals, birds and unique flora are the features of this Park, which is the only natural heritage site of the country registered by UNESCO. The volcanic eruption that formed the huge dome of rock and other climatic phenomenon such as rain, ice and wind battled against the mountains for a millennium to form a shape of the extreme escarpments that are seen today, Ras Dejen at 4543 meter above sea level with the moniker “Roof of Africa.”

However, due to its location in the densely populated Ethiopian highlands where people live close to nature and rely on

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its bounty, the Park had always faced extreme challenges. According to the study conducted earlier by UNESCO about 80 percent of the park was under human use in one form or another. And hence they lack alternative livelihood, the local communities depend on the Park’s resources like cutting trees for firewood.

In fact the inhabitants settled in the area before the inauguration of the park. One fifth of the park was under cultivation and most of the rest was subjected to intensive grazing by livestock. Poaching of the highly endangered endemic Walia Ibex and the Ethiopian Wolf has greatly widespread.

A main road, though unpaved, runs through critical wildlife habitat in the middle of the Park, along the top of the escarpment, linking Debark with MekaneBirhan electricity transmission lines.

Moreover, the cutting of trees and soil erosion in the Park caused deterioration

Photo by: simientours.com

Simien Mountains National Park is among the 12 world heritage sites of Ethiopia registered by UNESCO. It is also one of the four first natural world heritage sites along with the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador, Yellow Stone National Park of USA and Nahanni National Park of Canada. The Park was formally established in 1966 and it was one of the first sites to be registered by UNESCO in 1978. But in 1996 it was added to the list of heritage sites in danger becoming one of the 13 natural sites in Africa on the list. The Eminence’s FREHIWOT GEBREWOLD looked into what measures the government is taking to remove the National Park from the endangered list.

of the vegetation and productivity which is forced to shift plant and animal communities to higher area, and this is likely to reduce the size of suitable habitat available for those species at the higher elevations, particularly the Ethiopian wolf.

These are the main reasons for the park to be incorporated in the UNESCO’s endangered lists since 1996.

Taking this into consideration, the government of Ethiopia along with the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA) has set up a committee to find solutions to the problem. According to Girma Timer, Wildlife Development and Protection Directorate Director, the committee set four plans; demarcating the boundaries of the Park, increasing the population of wild animals, changing the direction of the road that crosses the park and the last but the very important one, relocating the inhabitants that are living in the park.

population shows a tremendous increase compared to that of five years back,” noted Girma.

Among these plans, the committee is close to accomplishing three of them successfully.

According to the Status of Conservation Report by EWCA, more than 40 percent of the park was highly disturbed by anthropogenic activities. About 63 percent of the grassland area was intensively grazed by livestock and the cultivated land for crop production inside the park covers 3,587 hectares or 8.7 percent of the total area of the Park. Only 19,167 hectares (37 percent) of the Park area was free from livestock grazing.

“The boundaries of the National Park has been re-demarked as a result of which the size of the park increased from 138 Km2 to 412 Km2. This work has been done in collaboration with the population in the area. And above all, the re-demarcation and the size increment has been legally approved by the Council of Ministers,” Girma told The Eminence.

“As a result, we can say that we have achieved the plan of increasing the number of wild animals in the park,” he added.

The landscape of the national park is rough. The area is full of ups and downs and this is one of the main reasons why the achievement of the third plan, realignment of the highway road along with the electric transmission is taking a little more time than expected.

While developing a grazing plan, consensus was reached among the different stakeholders and park neighboring communities to designate 92 percent (37, 843 hectares ) of the park area as no grazing or protected zone and the remaining 8 percent (4,257 hectares) was allocated as sustainable resource use zone.

“The current number of Walia Ibex is 950 and that of Ethiopian Wolf is 140. The

According to the 2013 assessment carried

“We have planned to do the relocation step by step since 2014. The first step was to provide a report describing the community’s mutual agreement for the voluntary relocation. Then, we looked for a place in a nearby town of Debark. After that we started paying the compensation for each family,” said Zerihun Zewde, Chief coordinator of the committee and Director of Public Relations Information of EWCA. Among the 418 families living in the park 40 of them have legal issues; they inherited the land. Hence, until this is clarified they won’t get the compensation. The exact addresses of ten families is unknown.

Hence, the compensation was paid to only 368 families.

“Last year we have paid around 80 million birr from the total budget assigned for the purpose which is 157 million ETB. The remaining is being paid this year,” Zerihun noted.

The compensation is done as per the Council of Ministers Regulation No. 135/2007 on the payment of compensation for property situated on landholdings expropriated for public purposes.

The resettlement site identified in Debark is located on the outskirts of the town

Photo by: api.ning.com

The National Park is unique in that it has various species of animals that are endemic to the country. There are over 21 species of mammals, of which three are endemic to Ethiopia and the Park. The Park is also home to over 80 species of birds of which six are endemic to Ethiopia.

out by EWCA, 418 households were living in Gich village with 2,508 people cultivating about 751 hectares of land inside the core area of the park.

The magnificent Simien Mountains form one of Africa’s largest mountain ranges and are one of the most spectacular.

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www.awf.org

ngm.nationalgeographic.com

2.bp.blogspot.com

HOSPITALITY 3600: HOSPI-TOURISM

Ethiopian Wolf, Chilada Baboon and Walia Ibex, the endemic mammals of the Simien Mountains National Park

and is in a good location, with access to associated facilities like health center and school. According to Zerihun the families will be fully relocated within the coming two months.

“A study undertaken by an independent body and supported by the German Development Bank (KfW) confirmed that the relocation process has been handled properly and it is also in line with national and international standards,” Kahsay Gebretensae, Director, Wildlife and Habitat Research & Study Directorate of EWCA told The Eminence.

With regard to creating awareness on how to protect the park, the Park’s Bureau in collaboration with its partners is providing different trainings for the locals. For example, the inhabitants made hoods and scarves that can be used to resist the coldness of the area as well as

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colorful plates and sell them to trekkers and visitors.

The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has been taking part in the awareness creation and community development for the last four years through the Simien Mountain Community Tourism Charity Association. This organization hosts activities in the village of the park where tourists visiting the Park practiced the local cultural lifestyle.

Among the activities; weaving, making

injera, hair braiding, brewing Ethiopia style coffee, and also practicing with the local blacksmith of the village are the major ones.

This situation enables to create awareness among the inhabitants on how to benefit from the park and protect it but also it helps to increase the tourist flow to the area. The number of tourists visiting the Park has been increasing in the past five years. In the past fiscal year alone about 32,020 tourists visited the Park and an income of 4.5 million ETB was secured.

In 2015 three capable interested investors have submitted applications with their respective business plans to EWCA to develop eco-lodges in the park.

Accordingly, EWCA and the Park’s experts have selected possible sites based on the criteria of eco-lodge sites

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Hospitality 3600: Facilities and Accommodation

restaurant with garden

Photo by: Ermias Melese

VINE: in the middle of building

Addis Ababa is becoming a major destination for tourists. As a result the number of international specialized restaurants in the city is increasing.

Vine Restaurant, which offers Italian cuisines with a greenhouse ambiance, is one of them. The Eminence’s HENOK SOLOMON visited Vine and presents the unique features of the restaurant and its variety of cuisine along with price ranges.

Photo by: Ermias Melese

The eight chefs of Vine on average cook and serve 50 to 60 dishes a day.

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Vine is a plant that has a nature of spreading itself on the walls and covering its surrounding with its leafs. But also it is used

by Yigremachew Gebre to name his highend specialty restaurant located on one of the biggest shopping malls, Dembel City Center, on Africa Avenue.

Vine Restaurant opened its doors to customer in January 2015 with an estimated working capital of two million ETB with the intention of creating an optional spot where people can come and enjoy international cuisines. The restaurant has 20 employees of which eight of them are Ethiopian chefs.

Yigremachew, the owner and CEO of Vine Restaurant was initiated to open a high end restaurant with the mission of providing alternative cuisine experiences for its customers. He dreamt about opening the restaurant while he was in the USA. Yigremachew having lived in the USA for 22 years finally returned to his homeland in 2012 to take part in the hospitality industry.

When it comes to its services and facilities, Vine is a specialty restaurant which serves international cuisine mainly Italian and sea food dishes. The owner also targeted to present a different look for the restaurant by giving it a greenhouse ambiance. It seems that he is successful in his target towards creating green ambiance of the restaurant.

When one enters to the restaurant the impression he gets is that the restaurant is located on the ground, not on 4th floor of a building. And that is why Amhasillasse Tibebe was attracted to and become a regular patron at Vine.

Realizing his dream, Yigremachew managed to open Vine and its sister companies; Dembel Dome Restaurant, which serves national dishes, one cafe and two Vine cinemas, which all of them are housed in Dembel.

“I love this place because I am a big fan of the ambiance, and also its privacy and good food,� Amhasillasse told The Eminence.

During The Eminence’s visit we noticed rusty bulb light holders, dusty tables and liquor bar shelf ’s all minor details that could tone down the quality and stature of the restaurant.

Vine serves both lunch and dinner. On the menu they offer 40 types of food varieties including sea food like salmon dishes; tuna grill, various pasta dishes like linguini with fresh salmon and caviar, ravioli with spinach and butters edge. They also offer chicken dishes such as chicken escallop with white wine sauce, chicken breast and of course they have varieties of desserts as well. The restaurant opens starting from 12 am until 4 pm; this means it remains open starting from lunch until dinner and works 7 days a week.

The price range of dishes at Vine can be said a bit expensive compared to other high end restaurants in the town. According to Yigremachew they set their prices based on the food quality and the price they incur to buy the ingredients they use but not based on the restaurant’s level or target customer.

Vine charges between 500 ETB to 1,500 ETB per person for events.

special offers. Also the place is suitable for engagement parties, bridal showers, friend’s get together and informal meetings as well.

Vine has a stretch wine bar which is made of wood that has a wooden wine shelf that looks handmade and natural. And also you see piled wine bottles in the traditional wooden wine barrel which brings the vibe of classic wine tasting bars to the customers.

The owner has chosen to give attention to Vine’s wine offerings with selections of various international and local branded wines.

Currently the owner is not focusing on advertisement of the restaurant saying they are working to establish and maintain standards before they start selling their name.

Andualem Abay is the main chef of Vine replacing the Italian chef who used to work there for the past one year. Andualem has been a chef for the past 10 years. And with seven more chefs they cook and serve 50 to 60 dishes a day.

Photo by: Ermias Melese

He told The Eminence, there are unique dishes that are rare in town which are served at Vine. According to Andualem Italian sea foods like salmon grill and tuna carpaccio are among the unique meals in Addis Ababa which Vine serves.

“In addition we serve fish eggs which are rich in omega 3,” Andualem says.

Photo by: Ermias Melese

At Vine the starter menu ranges from 80 ETB to 220 ETB, while fish and chicken dishes range between 250 ETB to 400 ETB. desserts at Vine sell at 100 ETB and the price of pasta dishes range from 130 ETB to 180 ETB. All the price mentioned are listed as they are listed on the menu without Value Added Tax (VAT) and service charge. Vine has 11 tables that can accommodate between 40 to 45 people in a round table sitting setup and it can hold even more people.

In the picture it seen, the handmade and natural wine bar of Vine which is made from wood.

The restaurant also offers services for special events such as wedding, birthday parties and anniversaries. If one wants to have an event at Vine they will be charged between 500 ETB to 1,500 ETB per person based on the specific requirements.

The restaurant has a culture of celebrating different occasion uniquely including Valentine’s Day, New Year’s Eve and other special events with music performances and

Rather they are focusing on word of mouth advertisement as many of their customers are specific groups such as expat, the diplomatic community and locals who seek quality food.

Yigremachew strongly believes that there are unfinished works to be finish and make the restaurant ready for the market. Currently he is dealing with bands to present live jazz and slow music exclusively at his restaurant during the evenings.

In the future Vine is planning to spread branches across Addis Ababa. In addition they are planning to launch their own pastry line. But for now Vine is a place where people have an option to set their mood in the middle of the building with a greenhouse ambiance while dining, celebrating their ceremony and getting together with friends and family; a new option for Addis Ababa

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Hospitality 3600: E-Depth

nhlearninggroup.com

Hoteliers

Mixed Feeling towards New Star Ratings

For years hoteliers in Ethiopia has been choosing which star level they deserve to crown themselves with star rating. Nevertheless, Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MoCT) made a grading as the former trend had some defects regarding quality service as many of the hotels were over graded. Now it has been six months since the grading was announced leaving different feelings and responses from hoteliers towards the results.

The Eminence’s FASIKA TADESSE, spoke with hoteliers and officials from MoCT to explore what effects the grading left to the industry.

Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia is becoming one of the top touristic destinations country in Africa. In addition to the 118 diplomatic missions in the city, Addis Ababa is also becoming a host for big international conferences such as the third Financing for Development meeting (FFD3) and the 3rd and 4th editions of African Hotel Investment Forum.

This can be supported by a data from the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) which confirms the number of international meetings which Addis Ababa hosted in 2000/01 fiscal year was only 1. But according to a data from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MoCT) the number went up to 11 during the 2014/15 fiscal year.

Following these and other factors the number of tourist arriving to the country is increasing. This can be demonstrated by a data from the MoCT which states the number of tourists visited Ethiopia during the 2010/11 fiscal year was 596,341 but the number has gone up to nearly by two folds and reached one million during the 2014/15 fiscal year.

These tourists, who come to the country

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with different reasons from across the world, are sources of revenue for the country in addition to being major sources of business for key players in the tourism and hospitality industry such as hotels, resorts, conference and meeting venues, airline and tour and travel agencies.

“As Addis Ababa is becoming a global city we needed to standardize Ethiopian hotels by grading them with the main aim of improving the quality of services provided by the hotels,” said Tadesse Endaylalu director of Tourism Services Competence Accreditation directorate at the MoCT. To grade the hotels the first move of the MoCT was signing a deal with United Nation World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

The Ministry signed a consultancy deal with UNWTO on December 28, 2014. For the implementation of the hotel grading and accreditation process the MoCT secured half a million dollar financing from World Bank (WB).

The grading started in Addis Ababa to classify 136 star level hotels which they deemed worthy of rating by September, 2016. Nine UNWTO staffs with 30 Ethiopian experts started carrying out the

implementation of grading the hotels in Addis Ababa. The group used 12 indicators designed by the MoCT. The indicators included in the criteria were: exterior view, bedroom, bathroom, public area, bar and dining facilities, kitchen, housekeeping & maintenance, general services, additional facilities like swimming pool, gym, and spa, sustainability (research and development), safety & security, staff facility and training.

The grading was awarded based on the score given on these evaluations. Hotels that scored more than 80 percent was awarded five stars, the scores 70, 60, 50 and 30 percent was awarded as four, three, two and one star respectively. The five stars convey exceptional standard while the four conveys excellent, three, two and one convey very good, good and acceptable standard, respectively.

But finally the assessor group started the evaluation of 123 hotels out of the 136 as 13 of the hotels could not be included in the evaluation scheme because of several reasons including two of them were demolished, three of them had changed into other business and eight of them were deemed under qualified for the evaluation standards.

star rating, according to Amin Abdulkadir former minister of Culture and Tourism by the beginning of August, 2015.

Now it has been six months since the rating was announced and became effective. It has left different impression on stakeholders of the sector, some have complaints about the rating questioning the fairness of the rating, while the others are happy about the rating which allowed their business to boom. And on the other hand the government believes the rating pushed the hotels to compete for quality services.

“The grading helps people to know the position of Ethiopian hotels,” said Tadesse.

“After the grading the hotels developed competitions among themselves and they are working on improving their quality in terms of human resource, quality of the hotel equipment and service,” he added.

As a result, from the 123 hotels that were assessed by the team, 95 of them could fall under the classification scheme of which 28 of them couldn’t manage to gather the minimum score to be included under the classification. Even from the 95 hotels only 38 of them managed to get the certificates, while 57 of them are yet to receive the confirmation certificate, pending submission of mandatory certificates on sanitation and emergency exit.

“For the hotels which did not receive a confirmation certificate, we gave them a year’s time to improve their quality and services to receive their grading, in addition the ones which already received the certificate are also given a year time to upgrade their hotels to have the opportunity to revised their rating,” explains Tadesse.

Of the 38 hotels confirmed as star rated hotels and received classification, four of them managed to get five star (now reached to five), 11 four star (now grown to 12), 13 three star (now grown to 14), 10 two stars and 1 hotel managed to get one

Capital Hotel and Spa, one of the five hotels which was crowned with five star rating, is one of the hotels which is enjoying the business after the rating.

Capital has 114 rooms, conference halls, a gymnasium and a swimming pool. Even if the hotel can manage to earn the highest score during the rating, many people in the industry were discontented about it saying Capital is over rated.

“When we compare our revenue from the same period from last year it has grown by 50 percent,” Michael Teka sales and marketing director of Capital told The Eminence, but he refrained from disclosing the actual figures of how many customer are flowing to their hotel in a day but he said these days they are receiving room bookings after their rooms are fully occupied.

“Additionally after the rating we can manage to be ranked at the top on Trip Advisory,” added Michael.

On the other hand the rating affected the business of some hotels such as Intercontinental Addis which was a selfdeclared five star hotel but downgraded to four star after the new rating. The hotel has 152 rooms, a gym, spa, restaurants and conference halls.

“The new grading somehow affects our business,” says Zenawi Mesfin, general manager of the hotel who is also president of Addis Ababa Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA). “Some organizations which approached us for meetings changed their mind when they know that we are a four star hotel saying they want five star,” added Zenawi.

According to the President of the Association, there are many grievances from hoteliers claiming that hotels were either over rated or under rated.

“So we point out that there might be problems during the assessment in regards to defects on the assessors’ qualification, grade allocation and the system of the evaluation,” said Zenawi.

“As a solution we are working in arranging a panel discussion on the issue with the officials of the MoCT along with the stakeholders of the hospitality and tourism sector,” explains Zenawi.

Even if Intercontinental and other hotels are claiming that they are under rated Hilton Addis, a member of the Hilton worldwide does not have concerns towards that, according to senior managements of the brand. Hilton was a self-declared five star hotel for the past 50 years but the new grading has downgraded the hotel to a three star hotel.

Patrick Fitzgibbon senior vice president of development, Europe & Africa for Hilton World, asserts that Hilton has its own specific group of loyal customers which are not bothered about the rates rather its services.

But Capital is now dreaming big after being inspired by the rating. “Now it is our time to go forward with our main targets of being a grand luxury hotel, being a management company expanding our brand with a franchise base and finally to be East Africa’s top brand luxury conference centre,” said Michael.

In addition the hotel is now planning to work on its expansion project which will add another 140 rooms

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Photo by: Biruk Alemu

Cultural Panorama : Traveling Ethiopia

ARBA MINCH: The Land of Ample Resources Named after the 40 springs in the area, Arba Minch, is an ideal place in the southern part of Ethiopia to visit. The place is known for its richness of natural resources, moderate climate and relatively good facilities. The Eminence’s BIRUK ALEMU travelled to the resourceful and emerging Arba Minch to explore and learn more about the town.

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If a group or a family decides to travel to southern part of Ethiopia, Arba Minch would be an interesting destination for the travelers. It’s about a nine hour drive or an hour flight from Addis Ababa to reach Arba Minch, a city that got its name following multiple springs.

Arba Minch, which literally means “forty springs” in Amharic, is located in the Gamo Gofa Zone at a distance of 505 Kms from Addis Ababa, and 280 Kms from the town of Hawassa, capital of Southern Nations Nationalities People’s Representatives (SNNPR) regional state.

According to the local residents, the town got its current name, Arba Minch, after changing it from Ganta Garo. The town is located at an elevation of 1,285 meters above sea level. Arba Minch is two cities in one. Its dual settlements of Shecha and Sikela, separated by three kilometers, have distinct personalities. The larger Sikela is more commercial and chaotic than Shecha,

its ever-so-slightly more refined sibling up the hill. Shecha also offers fantastic views over the lakes.

Based on the last census data conducted by the Ethiopian Central Statistical Agency (CSA) the town has a population of 74,879 but the number is likely significantly higher as the census was conducted nine years back.

In line with its current status of being a tourist destination and a stopover location for tourists who travel south to Jinka and Konso, Arba Minch was founded by Fitawrari Aemeroselasie Abebe in 1962 for travelers to take a break after a long hot crossing of the arid Rift Valley. And since then, the town welcomes local and international tourists.

According to the region’s communication affairs office, Arba Minch is visited by more than 85,000 tourists every year. The place is well-known for its diverse variety

Photo by: Biruk Alemu

Photo by: Biruk Alemu

Displayed handmade scarf, made by locals of Arba Minch, for sale.

A view from paradise lodge towards the dense forest of Arba Minch.

of fruits including mango, banana, orange, apple, guava and pineapple, and of course its fish and crocodile farms. Indicating its richness of fish, local singers have written many songs and researchers have written journals about the area.

There are many species of fishes including the fighting tiger fish, giant Nile perch, barbell, catfish and tilapia. Following this abundant resources, a tourist can find many tasty fish dishes at almost every restaurant and hotels in the town.

The attractions that invite tourists to the city include lakes, such as Chamo and Abaya, mountains; wildlife and the moderate climate. Lake Chamo and Lake Abaya are also home to hippos and crocodiles.

The city is also known for its easy access to Nech Sar National Park which covers the isthmus between Lake Abaya to the north and Lake Chamo to the south. Nech Sar was established as a sanctuary for the rare Swayne’s hartebeest. The Park is home to variety of wildlife and species of endemic birds. Monkeys, baboons, bush pigs, hippos and crocodiles, black-backed jackals, and zebras, bushbucks, grant’s gazelles, greater kudus, grey duikers are among the wildlife that offers an exceptional tourist experience.

Bird species that reside in the park include pelicans, eagles, storks, ibises, hornbills and cormorant plumbs are among them.

The capital of Gamo Gofa Zone, Arba Minch, is the largest town in Gamo Gofa.

Arba Minch Airport with one runway and Arba Minch University are located in Arba Minch, the second town in SNNPR next to Hawassa. The architectural design of the airport is setup with a beautiful view that gives comfort and safety to passengers.

In addition Ethiopian Airlines scheduled a daily flight from Addis Ababa to Arba Minch.

Starting at the airport, the locals are friendly, kind and very willing to assist tourists. Figuring out the ins and outs of the airport is simple because of the locals taking care of the tourists. There are many choices of transportation from the airport.

However, the best alternative is to setup a ride with the hotel or resort the traveler is staying since many of the hotels and resorts provide airport shuttle service.

Some of the ideal places for tourist to stay are Dorze Lodge, Paradise Lodge, Arba Minch Tourist Hotel, Romi Hotel, Swayen’s Hotel, Ezana Hotel, and the Bekele Mola Hotel.

Paradise Lodge, which was opened in 2008, is one of the places that are recommended for tourists. The lodge worked to preserve the natural environment and strengthen the local culture by taking steps to preserve and celebrate those cultures. Furniture, decorations and linens were sourced from artisans representing 54 ethnic groups from the South. Designs for the hut suites, the restaurant and hotel lobby are all based on the construction style and materials of the region.

On the right side of Paradise Lodge there is a mountain named Bridge of God, an isthmus between Lakes Abaya and Chamo. It is home to many animals that are indigenous to the region. The forest just below the lodge contains buchelle’s zebras, lions, grant’s gazelles, waterbucks, baboons, monkeys, leopards, hyenas, African civet cats, black backed jackals and warthogs.

Before leaving town, travelers are encouraged to see some of these magnificent creatures by walking down to the 40 springs to get a drink and walks in the woods towards Bridge of God Mountain. It will create a beautiful and unforgettable memory of the city

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Cultural Panorama : Society

Schools with No Playgrounds, Teach Kids Not to Play

Photo by: Sintayehu Bekele

Psychologists claim that kids should play at their schools and home during their spare time. If not, they will be vulnerable for mental problem according to them. But these days it seems playgrounds at schools is considered as luxuries facility. Most of the private schools do not have enough space designated for playgrounds, eventhough the public ones do not have the facilities while they have sufficient bare land. The Eminence’s RUTH GIRMA approached private & public schools and parents to understand why the schools are not taking playground into account with its effect on the children.

Atse Naod’s narrow playground deprived of any playing facilities.

Bissrate Alemayehu, is a mother of two girls, she sends her daughters to Radical Academy, a primary and secondary school, located around Amist Kilo area. The school does not have enough playground for the students. Bissrate always feels sad when she goes to school to pick her girls when she finds them standing in the sun waiting for her to pick them up.

“I feel sorry every time when I go to pick up my kids and I hear the same complaint on how they had to wait for hours in order to get a turn on the see-saw, the swing or the merry-go-round, since one set is not going to entertain all. They would stand for hours in the sun and their tanned skins speak,” Bissrate told The Eminence.

Bissrate’s daughters and all of Ethiopian children need playground at their schools to play on it during their break time and after school hours while they are waiting for their families to pick them up. The grounds should

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have a specific design which is suitable and safe for kids. Playgrounds are essential for them in helping to develop many skills in addition to entertaining themselves.

Malie Coyne (PhD), clinical child psychologist on her book entitled as “The Importance of Playgrounds in Child development”, describes a playground as a child’s most exciting and important place in the growing up process where one learns and develops important skills in life.

But these days schools in Addis Ababa seem to pop out of nowhere, squeezing through the tiny space between buildings or taking over houses that were built for residential proposes. And over time school structures seem to grow taller than wider. Due to this, the amount of students a school has is mostly disproportional to the area of play it provides.

Selamawit Gebremaiam a nine years old girl attends class at MacMillan Academy

which is located at CMC Michael. She says the playground at her school is small; whatever space there is merges the football and basketball court, with only one hoop hanging on one end of the court.

“My favorite game is hide and seek but I am afraid of falling down while running. A lot of my friends do and the ground is covered with gravel. So it hurts all the more,” she says.

Even if the schools are not considering the playground, the Addis Ababa City Education Bureau has set standards and criteria for schools in order to be equipped enough to run under a legal license or renew the former license for all government, public and private schools. Among the criteria having a playground is a mandatory prerequisite for the schools.

Referring to the standards of schools, one of the requirements concerns on the school area is playground. The standard scale

Photo by: Sintayehu Bekele Muday’s kindergarten gravelled playground with broken swing, rusted glide and barely running merry-go-round which all may hurt the kids if they fell down.

varies according to the three divisions of educational levels: a kindergarten which is required to have between 500 meter squares to 3,000 meter squares, a primary school which is required to have between 5,000 meter squares till 10,000 meter squares and secondary school with the requirements between 30,000 meter squares to 60,000 meter squares.

Despite the mandatory criteria, a number of schools have open up for registration without fulfilling the given criteria. Thus bringing up the question of where the illicitness is, becoming a major sources of disappointment for most parent such as Bissrate.

Not fulfilling this facilities have serious effects on the kids according to psychologists. Zewdu Fantahun (PhD), a lecturer at Addis Ababa University in the psychology department, remarks on the effects of not having playgrounds at schools into three major categories; it can affect the healthy development of the kids, their physical growth and finally their brain which can result in mental health problem.

Although the standards are set and the inspection proceeds with in the edict, it is not difficult for anyone to see schools lacking playgrounds and playground facilities.

With this in mind Mulualem explains that one of the problems for schools with no playgrounds stems from changes made on school grounds after the inspection. He states that there are circumstances where a school is granted license of qualification, passing the criteria; in this context school ground area -only to find out in due time the gradual shrinking of the playground as new buildings with lot more classes crop on them.

On the other hand the Bureau permits license on conditions where a school qualifies the standards in most ways despite its flaws, with the sheer expectations of the school to meet the standards within a given period of time while working in the business. This recertified method was practiced a lot before the renewal of the standard in 2015/16. He explains that this opportunity does get abused a lot.

“Playgrounds help children release the learning through curriculum pressure as the coordination, strength and flexibility they show releases the stress and create enjoyment which is a vital need for the brain in order to take in more,” said Zewdu.

Three private schools which The Eminence approached, explained their main reasons for not having playgrounds. They pointed out lack of available space in key places for the business and lack of budget as the core barrier for them to fulfill the required standards.

Mulualem Tefera officer at the Bureau, explains the structure of the school standards is divided into different criteria (including having a playground) on which a school is expected to deliver to standards calculated out of hundred and the rate below 75 percent is considered as unqualified for a school license and uncertified to open.

Not only private schools are not providing playgrounds for kids, but also the public schools that have ample space do not have the facilities that a playground should have.

Atse Naod Primary and Secondary school one of the public schools in Addis Ababa is another school which doesn’t have a playground.

Abraham Mengistu, director of Atse Naod, on his side explained that it is impossible for them to deconstruct housing and other buildings to widen the area of schools in order to prepare a playground.

Officials from City’s education bureau merely recognized this gaps of schools but they said it is not the right action to close or ban these schools as a solution.

“It is not simply a matter of shutting down an entire school just because it was found unqualified,” says Ephrem Lemma, officer at inspection department of the Bureau.

He indicated that shutting down a school is a process that takes time and patience to prevent complications. Therefore a good deal gets compromised before schools are prohibited either for a period of time or for good.

Ephrem also explains that the Bureau is working on the grounds of improving the schools’ standards and pushing them into providing the expected services. Therefore the bureau has set on working a thorough research towards finding problems and loopholes in the administration. In time regulations would firm up so as to pull the schools to the expected standards without affecting the school/student balance.

With these gaps in the schools and the bureau, professionals recognize that the social skills that children develop on the playground often become lifelong skill sets that are carried forward into their adulthood.

And they strongly recommends playground must to be considered as they are among the most important environments for children outside home

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Photo by: www.ethiosports.com

Cultural Panorama : History and diplomacy

ETHIO-DJIBOUTI RELATIONS: Foundations for Possible Integration Ethiopia and Djibouti have had friendly relations passed on from the earlier monarchy rule to the present regime. These relations have grown into different sectors over the past decades broadening the areas of integration. The Eminence’s Contributor KALEAB HAILU looks at the various spheres of bilateral relations between the two countries at the present time and what to expect for the future.

Ethiopia has had strong relationships with its neighboring countries on different areas of cooperation including economic, political, diplomatic and social basis. But the one which it has with Djibouti can be said it is more than being mere neighbors and the national interest of states as the two countries have enjoyed stronger historical, ethnical, geographical and economic ties for many years.

dependent on Ethiopia for its subsistence including vegetables, meat, livestock, Khat and potable water as well as electricity.

Ambassador Mohammed Idris, Djiboutian ambassador to Ethiopia notes, “The relation between the two countries thirty years ago was less significant compared to the present time.”

The post-1991 period can be the major milestone for two countries’ strengthened interdependence. Especially after the EthioEritrean war of 1998-2000, the Port of Djibouti became the primary and preferred outlet for the landlocked country, Ethiopia.

On the other hand Djibouti is largely

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Photo by: Sintayehu Bekele

The economic interdependence between the two countries is of utmost importance to both countries. But the relationship between the two countries was not that much strong until the past 30 years.

Ambassador Mohammed Idris, Djiboutian Ambassador to Ethiopia

Djibouti is also the only country which is connected with Ethiopia through railway.

The former railway was constructed during Emperor Menelik II’s reign. The railroad construction was completed in 1917 and became the foundation of EthioDjibouti relations after Djibouti gained its independence from France in 1977 with the establishment of the former Ethio-Djibouti Railway Enterprise. But the railroad is not currently operational.

Beyond that the diplomatic relation of the two countries, which is dated back in 1984, and economic relation, the two countries also have demographical integration.

According to Endalkachew Bayeh & Kidanu Atnafu’s publication entitled “Economic Interdependence as a Driving Force for Peace and Security Cooperation; Ethio-Djibouti Relations” the second largest ethnic group which constitutes Djibouti’s population is of Ethiopian origin.

In addition the two countries are cooperating with each other on the wider peace and stability issues in the Horn of Africa as well as on their bilateral cross border security concerns, according to Terefe Tujuma, Senior Djibouti Desk officer, at Ministry of

Photo by: Sintayehu Bekele

Photo by: africafreak.com Ethiopia uses Port of Djibouti as the country is landlocked

Foreign Affairs (MoFA) as quoted by Urgessa Deressain his research entitled “The EthioDjibouti Relations; Implications for sub regional integration schemes in the horn of Africa” published in 2014.

All of the aforementioned relationship has a long history but it has been strengthened very recently, according to the Djiboutian ambassador.

Ambassador Mohammed Idris, explains that ties between the two countries reached new peaks when the late Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and the current Djiboutian president Ismael Oumer Guelleh came to power.

The existing relationship among the two countries expected to be stronger more as different initiatives which connect the two countries are underway. The two countries signed a deal on September 2015 with developers for the installation of 550 kilo meter fluepipe line which will transport diesel, gasoil, and jet fuel from Tajoura in Djibouti to central Ethiopia.

However, the former rail transport system which connects Ethiopia with Djibouti was clogged over a decade ago; a new rail line that stretches for 700 kilometers from Addis Ababa to Djibouti which passes through Dewele is near completion turning a new leaf in the affairs of the two countries. There is also a second railway line under construction that will connect Djibouti through the Afar Regional State to the port of Tajoura.

The two countries are also working on increasing the amount of electric power which Ethiopia exports to Djibouti. And this milestone can be considered as the quantum leap for the relations and economic interdependence between the two nations.

“Currently we are using 40 percent of the electricity power from Ethiopia but we are working to increase the amount up to 70 percent to 80 percent,” Ambassador Mohammed told The Eminence.

The two counties are dealing with increasing the amount of electric power Ethiopia export to Djibouti from 40 percent to 70-80 percent.

Even though very recently Ethiopia started using the port of Berbarea, through Somaliland but Port of Djibouti is also the backbone for Ethiopian import export trade as 70 percent of the traffic is through Djibouti, according to a report by Islamic Development Bank. For the Port service as its gateway for international trade, Ethiopia pays 700 million dollars as annual port fee to Djibouti.

But when it comes to the trade balance between the two countries, it favours Ethiopia.

During the 2014/15 fiscal year Djibouti was the 11th destination of Ethiopian products among the 132 countries which bought

Ethiopian commodities. During the year Djibouti bought commodities worth 84.3 million dollar which accounts 2.8 percent of Ethiopian export volume. On the other hand Djibouti earned a bit over 300,000 dollars from Ethiopia by exporting waste and scrap iron.

In terms of foreign direct investments the two countries are investing in each other’s land.

Owner of Kuriftu Resort and Spa, Tadios Belete laid a corner stone to build a resort at Djibouti with the presence of Ethiopian Prime minister Hailemariam Desalegn a year ago. On the other hand during the past five year eight Djiboutian investors obtained an investment licenses to invest in Ethiopia, of which one of them is operational, two of them on implementation and the remaining five are at the pre-implementation stage.

Some politicians and scholars see the merits of the two countries political integration beyond the economic and other integrations.

However, Ambassador Mohammed said, “There is nothing concrete with regards to political integration presently…The political integration depends on the citizens, not on the Political organs” the ambassador added quoting Ismael Oumer Gulleh, president of the republic of Djibouti.

Nonetheless, if the plan to politically integrate the two nations becomes a reality, Ethiopia will have its own port once again whilst Djibouti will no longer import products and services from its neighbour, a win-win situation, one may consider

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Hardy Faith Despite the darkness, an Ethiopian Orthodox priest reading the book of Psalms and praying using wax light

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Photo by:Eyerusalem Adugna Issue 18 - April 2016 - The Eminence |

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Photo by: www.musicethiopia.com

Photo by: musicinafrica.net

Cultural Panorama : Art and Literature

Ethiopia is a home for many diverse nations and nationalities each with their own culture, language and music. These different ethnic groups use their own traditional musical instruments which makes their melody unique from one another. But these days listeners and experts are complaining that Ethiopian traditional music is losing its flavor as traditional instruments are being replaced by modern ones. On the other hand, musicians claim that traditional instruments are inconvenient and this is causing the replacement. The Eminence’s contributor KALEAB HAILU, explores and presents the debate after interviewing musicians, experts and other stakeholders.

Ethiopian Traditional Instruments on the Verge of being Replaced by Modern ones

Ethiopia is a melting pot of culture having over 90 nations, nationalities and peoples with their own unique culture and language including indigenous traditional music. All of these traditional music tunes make up a collective genre that has come to be known as Ethiopian traditional music. This includes the mainstream Amharic traditional dance that Ethiopians and foreigners roll their shoulder blades, bounce their shoulders, and jilt their chest to, along with Tigrigna, Oromigna, Agewegna, Guragigna, Wolaytigna, Afarigna and Somaligna musics just to mention few.

The regular listener base of Ethiopian traditional songs has been mainly rooted in the rural areas of the country but not to forget mentioning listeners from urban areas. Ethiopian urbanites especially the youth, however, were more reserved from listening to Ethiopian traditional music. But in recent times, there seems to be a new leaf in the books. The youth are becoming more accustomed to listening to traditional songs. The change in attitude and listenership can be attributed to various factors including the integration of contemporary Ethiopian and foreign music elements with the traditional ones to make the songs more ‘hip’.

Ethiopian traditional music has a unique flavor compared to various countries of the world. Ethiopian traditional scales are pentatonic and have a modal tone system, that has been the essence and distinct factor of Ethiopian traditional songs. These traditional tunes have gone through different stages of growth in their respective cultures and the mainstream music industry as well.

One of the crucial elements that define Ethiopian traditional music is the use of Ethiopian traditional musical instruments including Massinko, Kirar, Washint and Kebero. Ethiopian traditional music is known to echo local drums, Kebero with the traditional Kirar playing out the string keys resulting in a true Ethiopian masterpiece. However, the actual traditional music instruments are being replaced these days by foreign instruments and computer

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Kirar an Ethiopian traditional instrument made form strings which is currently being of replaced by guitar in studio recordings.

manipulations. The Kebero is replaced with electronic drum rhythms; while Kirar is replaced by guitar or other string instruments.

Dawit Yifru, president of Ethiopian Musicians Association, stands with the current growing trend, “Currently many composers are using modern instruments while they compose music to make them appealing and popular,” he told The Eminence.

Even if Dawit accepts the concept of replacing Ethiopian traditional instruments with modern technological instruments, it is hard to swallow for some experts such as Yonas Getachew, an instructor at the JazzAmba Music School.

“Currently I cannot say we are using our traditional instruments in our traditional music but rather that we are making traditional music with modern or foreign instruments and I can boldly say it is hurting Ethiopia’s traditional music and its culture,” Yonas said.

The role of our traditional instruments in the Ethiopian traditional music industry is really disappointing. “In the music there will be few notes of Massinko at the beginning and then comes keyboards, drum and guitar. You will find the traditional rhythm in the songs just to help us to recognize the music is from Gojjam or Gondar, but if you look into the categories, you will not find the individual instruments used in the music,” Yonas elaborates.

“As time passes, with further incorporation of our traditional instruments and the songs getting further acceptance from the audience, I expect our traditional instruments will even get acceptance and will be used by world music makers,” Dawit aspires.

Photo by: addisabram.files.wordpress.com

Photo by: p2.liveauctioneers.com

the music we are playing is still traditional.

Currently, we are introducing and mixing our traditional instruments in both indigenous and contemporary songs.”

But Yonas believes studio recordings cannot be considered as a final recording sessions. He claims that, studio recording will never have the same quality or essence of music or even come close to a full band recording, where an audience can listen to every instrument and enjoy every note being played.

An Ethiopian boy from rural area is playing Washint, one of Ethiopia’s traditional musical instrument.

Elias Woldemichael, a 28 years old traditional drum (Kebero) player for Sheger Band points out his own observation in the industry. “Presently I don’t believe there are abundant traditional music instruments in the Ethiopian music industry. There are actually only three instruments that are commonly used in recording studio sessions; Kirar, Washint and Massinko.”

But according to the industry insiders the main reason for not using traditional instruments at recording studios is the size of the instruments which is huge while the size of many studios is small.

Elias notes, “In addition to the small size of the studios, the financial capacity of the artists to pay for traditional instrument players is the other deterring factors to replace traditional instruments with modern ones.”

Ethiopian traditional music used to be recorded live while the bands play the tunes decorated with traditional Ethiopian musical instruments. The present common practice is far from that, though because a music producer can record, master and finish an entire song without leaving the studio playing on their keyboard and using various computer audio mixing software.

Nonetheless, some professionals of the Ethiopian music scenery say the current use of these traditional instruments can be said satisfactory. Dawit explains, “Even though our traditional instruments are being replaced by modern instruments,

Dawit draws same analysis with Yonas when it comes to live recordings. “Most studio recordings only use a keyboard but you cannot take that to the stage. It is advisable to have more music instruments in the composition. I think the entire orchestra with musicians performing especially in well prepared stage shows is more appealing to the audience,” says Dawit.

The other major challenge mentioned by the industry key players in incorporating traditional instruments while producing live recording compositions is lack of national standard for traditional instruments in terms of length, width, hertz and size. Even the raw materials used lacks uniformity, so same instruments can give out completely different tones on the same scale.

“But currently, there are researches underway to define standards and measurements along with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism which can solve this problem,” says Yonas.

With all these ups and downs Elias stresses that there is still a room for traditional instruments because the audience accepts music played with traditional instruments. “My band played for artist Sileshi Demissie’s ‘Yameral Hagere’ album that received domestic and worldwide acceptance as well. So I strongly believe that if more recordings are made with traditional instruments, the exposure and acceptance will definitely increase,” he concludes

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Photo by: Sintayehu Bekele

MADE IN ETHIOPIA : LIFE STYLE

One salad a day for a healthier,

leaner self

Ethiopians are well known for eating meat cuisines frequently, as it is perceived as the best diet ever. But now it seems this trend is under change as many people are shifting to vegan dishes because of several reason including health and financial factors. The Eminence’s HELINA ABRAHAM explores this shift in the capital.

Translator by profession, Abraham Bisher, became a vegetarian after getting advice from his lawyer friend because he was consistently feeling tired. At the time Abraham was overweight which was partly the cause of him feeling tired. But his friend’s persistence two years ago influenced Abraham to change his entire lifestyle in becoming a vegetarian.

At the time Abraham didn’t want to eat vegan food even though he frequently dined at Taitu Hotel, one of the hotels which is known for its vegan dishes. He did not care for the scrumptious salad. But overtime his body was changing so much that he was not able to tie his own shoes.

He used to sleep but always felt tired and could not be productive especially during the afternoons which forced him to drink coffee again and again to feel fresh and be active.

Like Abraham many Ethiopians prefer

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to eat meat cuisines, and eating raw meat is also considered part of the Ethiopian culture. One factor which encourages the community to consume meat dishes is the country’s status of being one of the top livestock producing nation in the world.

But when it comes to vegetarian dishes, just like India, the country has a wide variety of vegetable cuisines that are cooked well.

And recently for several reasons, people are shifting their preferences to vegan dishes.

Health experts and nutritionists claim eating excess animal fat and protein can put people at risk towards developing cancer, diabetes, heart disease and a number of other illnesses and conditions. Plantbased diets either minimize or completely eliminate a person’s genetic propensity to developing chronic diseases.

Basically this assertion worked in the life of Abraham. But now that history has changed and Abraham eats at Taitu’s vegan buffet

four or five times a week. With his new vegan regime, he has lost ten kilograms in the past two years.

“Now I am very active and I do not necessarily have to drink coffee to be active,” he told The Eminence.

In recent years, following the switch in preference by many Ethiopians towards vegan meals, several eateries that promote eating fruits and vegetables as an alternative lifestyle have been cropping up, and Taitu is among them.

Taitu Hotel, the first Ethiopian hotel built in 1898, is one of the places that is promoting a vegan buffet as part of their food culture.

According to Abel Desta, Taitu’s manager, the vegan buffet started in the hotel four years ago. Abel said the food does not have chemical additives or salt.

Clean eating is all about choosing the healthiest, most wholesome, untainted

Photo by: Sintayehu Bekele

A vegan buffet (Tena buffet) displayed at Taitu Hotel which they offered it for vegan dieters as well as fasting customers with a price of 70 birr per person. food you can, being mindful of where it comes from, and using fresh ingredients that are freshly cooked. This concept has people flocking to Taitu Hotel. The first meal most tourists have at Taitu is the vegan buffet because they love that they can see what they will eat in the buffet. If one wants to enjoy the vegan buffet at the hotel it would only cost him 70 birr. It may seem a bit expensive, but more than 200 people come in each day just for the vegan buffet, according to the manager.

This assumption presumed to have been established as 43.5 percent of the population follows the Ethiopian Orthodox Church which requires people over the age of 13 years to fast for at least 180 days a year including Fridays and Wednesdays and to abstain from meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and other animal products. Nowadays, more people are conscious about what they are eating and are adapting healthier food items, especially more vegetables and fruits.

Most people agree the Ethiopian eating trend is changing. Abel testified to this ,“I think people eat vegan food because they are going back to the original food and do not want processed foods anymore. People are recognizing that processed foods are making them sick so they are going back to the original fresh food.”

“Some people eat fruits and vegetables because they are easy to eat and cheap,” Cherenet Menase, a self-declared vegetarian since 2014, told The Eminence.

Most people think that vegetables and fruits were cheap. As a result, they have the perception of only poor people eat vegetables and fruits, while rich people eat meat and processed food. In Ethiopia, if people have money they usually eat Tibs, diced and grilled red meat and raw meat.

Many Ethiopians consider vegetables as meals reserved for fasting seasons.

Cherenet chooses this food because it is easy to eat and it does not have any discomforts. He eats salad both in fasting and non-fasting days, claiming that it has made him a healthier and better person.

Hale Habte is another regular customer at vegan eateries. He thinks people are eating more salads because most health professionals advise their patients to eat more salad. In addition he says that the media and European culture are contributing towards the drive for a vegan diet.

“After I added mixed salad to my diet, I have become healthier: I can run and work as I like. As to the cost I spend less on salads than on meat. It is like hitting two birds with one stone,” Hale said.

For those who are on the fence in regards to going fully vegan, an alternative option is available. Eating a plant-based diet doesn’t mean someone have to go completely vegan. It can mean just adding more plant-based meals into their diet.

Increasingly, people are doing just that and not becoming vegan or vegetarian. They are being dubbed flexitarians and include committed carnivores who would never give up meat completely.

Temesgen Aweke, a food science and nutrition specialist suggests a very good approach of diet is diversifying the type food people eat. “Diversifying food intake is a good approach. Anyone can eat anything he/she wants as long as it is diversified. So they do not have to focus on only one type of food. In Ethiopia nature has given us so much, so we need to use that to our advantage. Our fathers and mothers chose the best kind of food ingredients for us, but we have failed to use them,” Temesgen concluded

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MADE IN ETHIOPIA : FASHION

Local Leather Products get

Traction in Domestic Market

What pops up in many Ethiopians’ minds was that imported materials are far much better than locally manufactured materials in terms of quality and attractiveness, so they opt to pay more for those brands. But these days many Ethiopian youngsters’ looks have changed and they now realize Ethiopian products especially leather wear offer a better quality. The Eminence’s contributor BROOK ABDU spoke with locally manufactured leather products users, manufacturers and sellers to explain the shift.

Back in the days most of the leather wears and leather products that dominated the Ethiopian market were imported from different countries. This happened because most of the local communities were inclined towards buying products that are manufactured abroad because of the perception of imported goods have better quality and more attractiveness.

Now this trend is changing. More and more, youth are buying locally manufactured leather wear items, including jackets, skirts, shoes and other leather items such as handbags, wallets, shoulder bags and belts.

Pawlos Belete a 33 year old journalist, is one of the consumers who has completely shifted his preference and started buying locally manufactured leather products. He is more partial now towards locally-made leather shoulder bags, laptop bags and belts.

Ethiopia produces 2.7 million hides, 8.1 million sheep skins and 7.5 million goat skins annually 34 | The Eminence - Issue 18 -April 2016

garments and leather wears manufactured in the country.

Ethiopia has been importing large amounts of leather products even though the country is categorized at the top of the list in livestock population continentally as well as internationally. Ethiopia has 34.1 million, 30.54 million and 21.11 million heads of cattle, sheep and goats, respectively. The country also produces 2.7 million hides, 8.1 million sheep skins and 7.5 million goat skins annually.

Pure leather wallet which is made in Ethiopia

“I prefer to buy locally manufactured products because I have better options in color, design, quality and other conveniences, compared to the imported ones,” Pawlos told The Eminence.

“Many Ethiopians prefer to pay for brands, but the truth is locally-produced leather products are worth paying for, as they are competitive with the imported ones; even more they are better in terms of many parameters than the imported, branded materials,” he asserts.

The efforts to make Ethiopian consumers to be proud of their own country’s products is bearing fruit. The local manufacturers are getting local consumers hooked on their products. This is mainly seen in the

By having this abundant amount of natural resource, the country was wasting its resource because the manufacturing sector was not well developed. In addition buyers had less confidence towards the local leather products compared to imported products that were flooding the local market. But now somehow things have changed according to buyers and industry operators.

“There is actually a change in the perception of the local products among buyers,” observed Mahlet Mekonnen, owner of MM Fashion, a leather products manufacturing company with an outlet on the ground floor of Getfam building around Hayahulet area.

Two years after opening the shop with two friends who later parted the company she continues to go at it alone. Her primary market was from the occasional customers at bazaars and exhibitions.

“From the beginning the demand for our products was very good – our customers

Photo by: Sintayehu Bekele

vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net

Shoulder bags with different color and design products of local leather

are interested in the strength and quality of the products that we supply,” she explained.

The same holds true for the other leather products selling shops around Stadium and under the spectators’ seats; although, some businesses beg to differ. Studio Leather, a manufacturer of leather products with outlets around Stadium and Merkato is one of them. “There is a good attraction of local customers to the products that we supply,” said Manyahilishal Zenebe, who owns Studio Leather in partnership with others.

She believes the leather products that they sell are more competitive and attractive for local buyers than the imported ones. The price of her jackets both for men and women range from 1,800 birr to 2,000 birr. Moon Light Leather Products Enterprise also sells locally manufactured leather jackets starting from 1,200 birr to 1,500 birr.

“The fashion now is a straight collar jacket. we supply it in greater numbers than the others,” said Hanna Kebede, sales manager at Moon Light. The bags that they supply are sold from 500 birr to 600 birr, the same price with that of Manyahilishal’s. The bags that Mahlet of MM Fashion supplies are sold from 350 birr to 800 birr.

Manyahilishal also has wallets and belts that are sold for 100 birr. Her customers are both local and foreign buyers like that of Mahlet and Hanna.

Even if the major challenge of manufacturers of less trust of local buyers towards locally produced leather products has changed, they are facing another challenge. The supply price for production, especially the price of leather, has increased which has led to the increase in the cost of their products.

The leather that manufacturers use is bought from Merkato. Hides are made in rolls and measured in square feet. One square feet is sold for up to 350 birr. Mahlet says that, it takes one and half square feet of hide to make a bag.

“The price for the different bags comes from their size and the additions on them like inside covers and buckles as well as the eyelets,” said Mahlet.

Because of the growing cost of the supplies, especially of leather, the products that are on display in different shops are getting more expensive, according to the manufacturers.

“The price of materials like leather are increasing and sometimes we couldn’t even find leather in the market,” said Manyahilishal. “We buy once and keep the hides in stock in case the market fails to supply more,” she added.

The square feet of leather that Mahlet bought for up to 350 birr was less than half of the price compared to five years ago when

she started operation.

“When the products get expensive, the customers go away - the buying capacity of the customer is getting weaker,” said Hanna.

Even though the price is a pushing factor for the customers, the confidence that local buyers have in local products is good and they still buy the products.

But, the manufacturers say that the market could have been strengthened if their products were promoted and if manufacturers consistently make their products with a reliable supply of materials.

“The reasons we are behind include, low capacity utilization, the size and static state of the domestic market, lack of competitiveness and negligible penetration of the export market,” stated Abdurahaman Abdulmejid in his research titled “The Dynamics of Internationalization of Ethiopian Leather Industry Development Institute”, published in 2012.

With the challenge of under capacity production caused by the shortage of quality processed leather, manufacturers are trying to penetrate the Ethiopian market more and are seeing the benefits by winning over local buyers like Pawlos, who has totally turned his eye to locally-made leather products

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MADE IN ETHIOPIA : ARCHITECTURE AND INT. DESIGN

Marrying Traditional Designs

Photo by: Sintayehu Bekele

with Hospitality Sector

Many Ethiopian hotels and restaurants decorate their interiors with imported accessories while the country has its own cultural items for decorations. Some hoteliers and restaurant owners claim that they don’t get traditional interior designers so that, they are forced to design their own restaurant’s interior. On the other hand some designers claims that Ethiopian traditional equipments should be redesigned in a modern way as they are inconvenient. The Eminence’s contributor LUCY KASSA presents the debates after she spoke the stakeholders.

If someone got a chance to stop over at the gate of the two star hotel, Axum, which is located at Hayahulet area, one might observe a type of interior design which Google does not display. It has a pure Ethiopian way of interior designing. The Hotel made efforts to include traditional elements in its interior and exterior architecture. Axum, a hotel which bears the name of the ancient civilization, has walls and furniture designed by the shapes of the Axumite obelisks.

Kumneger Teketel, founder and managing director of Ozzi Business & Hospitality Group strongly believes that, all of the Ethiopian hotels should consider traditional interior design just like Axum.

“International hotels in the rest of the world reflect their culture with their interior designs. Interior design is not

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about copying the designs from westerners rather it is about fitting the traditional elements to the modern concept by improving the quality and durability of the elements,” Kumneger explained.

In line with Kumneger’s argument one of the five stars hotels, Capital Hotel & Spa has attempted to add some traditional elements on its bed covering, and room paintings. In addition the Hotel is constructing a traditional coffee ceremony set up with traditional designs and equipment, according to the hotel receptionist Tedrows Ambachew.

Agreeing on the need towards creating a traditional look for hotels, but most of the hoteliers mention lack of traditional interior designers in the country. This challenge is also raised by Axum Hotel which hired craftsman from the area of

the typical culture to design their hotel, according to Kebede Tesema operation manager of Axum.

“If we want to make some changes, our only option is to bring a craftsman from Axum,” Kebede told The Eminence.

So that most of hotels and restaurants give the responsibility of the interior design for the architects who work on the construction of the building in general. Finally most of the hotels and restaurants have no traditional look in line with their service or title. At the end it will leave a negative impression towards some foreigners who really want to see a traditional features at these places.

On the other hand the unavailability of traditional interior designer forced Yod Abyssinia, a well-known cultural restaurant in the city, to design their

interior themselves. The restaurant has a trend of renovating its interior look every six months with the main aim of avoiding similar ambiances for longer time. So the owner of the restaurant gives the guidelines to the workmanship who will implements all, according to Frehiwot Tefera, deputy general manager of the restaurant.

According to Frehiwot a cultural restaurant should reflect all ethnic groups in the country with its interior look and it should be done by a designer who knows Ethiopian culture well. The same holds to Dessalach Kitfo which is located off the Africa Avenue. The restaurant has a traditional ambiance just like Yod Abyssinia, bringing typical traditional items from the original place to create a typical look.

But some interior designers’ believe this way of thinking by hotel and restaurant owners is emanating from the attitude of backwardness. Salome Dangnachew founder and general manager of Baroque Interiors & Events, which resides on Getu Commercial Center, strongly believes that traditional interiors often remain as sketch due to the hotel owners’ reluctance and lack of courage to accept new trends.

She said the chairs at traditional restaurants are not comfortable to sit on, so they need to be redesigned maintaining their traditional look. She also mentions the shorter traditional dining table (Mesobe) needed to be longer. In addition design for restaurants with windows need to come about as which most of them do not have window because of adopting a traditional house style.

In line with Salome’s argument Kategna, a traditional restaurant, adopted a modern ambiance by redesigning traditional raw materials in to modern techniques through the guidelines from the owner.

“When we redesigned the equipment using modern techniques we took care not to lose tradition features,” Misker Moges, Food & Beverage Manager of Kategna’s Bole branch told The Eminence.

“The concept of interior design is late, it done by architects,” Miskir reasoned.

According to him designing a modern restaurant is far easier than a traditional

“Making culture goes with time is what most designers are challenged with,” Mistir told The Eminence.

Photo by: Sintayehu Bekele

“To hire an interior designer we have a fear of losing the traditional look which makes us unique,” explains Frehiwot.

lack of designers who can renovate the traditional elements convincingly.

A bedside lamp made by Mistir using Ethiopian traditional raw materials such as “Enzirte” and “Qile”.

one because one can easily copy and paste a design from the rest of the world for modern designs while there is no choice for traditional designs which need creativity to make it different from other restaurants.

“When most hotel owners hire a designer they will dictate you what to,” claims Salome. “Even if there are few who give you the freedom, there is no workmanship that properly implements the designs.

Hence the fate of the designs is to remain as sketches,” Salome says.

The other challenge which she mentions is the lack of simple machines to do a handcraft or furnishings at home. “In USA you can just buy a wood sheet and simply design and make a table at home using such items. But such equipment are not found here. And also we do not grow up learning to make and appreciate such things,” Salome criticizes.

Salome also mentions the expensiveness of the traditional raw materials as a big challenge. “The traditional paintings, wood, and fibers are expensive. So why would you buy such items, while you can get imported item at cheaper price,” she reasons.

But all these Salome’s reasons are mere excuses for another interior designer, Mistir Gossaye, owner of Bemister Home Accessories who makes furniture, paintings, crafts and other home accessories using the traditional raw materials. She says the problem is rather

At her design studio located on Snap Plaza next to Millennium Hall different handmade home accessories with traditional elements are seen. Artistically made, one of the accessories is a traditional cotton thread on a bird nest showing the traditional Habesha close decorated by butterflies. Wall accessories that reflect the traditional baskets, “Sefed”, horns and different pottery are also seen at her studio and all have a sense of modernity.

She renovates the items to go with modern furnishings and home styles just using color and some decorating items. She buys the raw materials from different handcraft shops and does the finishing herself. Her buyers are households. But hotels did not consume as they need such items in mass and Mistir has a limited capacity to produce such accessories in bulk.

“A pottery maker or other craftsmen may not finish the accessories as I do,” Mistir said.

But the basic challenge according to her is craftsmen are scattered and there is no centralized information about their location as well as a platform that meets them. Just like Mistir there are many other interior designers that can artistically renovate traditional elements, according to Kumneger and it is not very far for the country to build its own interior design style like the Americans or Arabians do. The thing is just about giving an opportunity for those designers to do their works at the hotels.

“Culture improves just like language. I think the country has a better color to be reflected. But the game is just about making our culture marketable,” she recommends.

Finally to avoid the mismatch of artistic direction hoteliers who need traditional interior designers and the designers there should be a platform which would link both, according to the traditional interior designer Mistir. She recommends organizing interior design exhibitions can fill this gap

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MADE IN ETHIOPIA : UNIQUE ETHIOPIA

Lalibela: Bete Gebrael-Rufael Church Conservation and Consolidation Project

Photo by: photos.travelblog.org

By Hailu Zeleke (ARRCCH)

The outside look of Bete Gebreal-Rufael Church before conservation

Lalibela is one of the most famous historical sites in Africa. According to local traditions, the town’s foundation was laid in the 6th century AD. It was established as part of the route of expansion of the Christian faith by King Kaleb that joined the northern and the southern part of Aksumite Empire. The motive of King Kaleb led to the construction of a church on a mountainous site presently known as Lalibela.

The church was called ‘Qedemt Mikael’ and it was believed to have been constructed on the model of Aksum Tsion church, the first church in Ethiopia, which was later demolished in 1535 by the troops of Ahmed Gragn. The church of Qedemt Mikael, the starting point of the entire process, became the basis for the establishment of Lalibela town.

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The other important step for the development of Lalibela was the construction of the rock-hewn churches.

This legendary constructions during the 12th century AD and subsequent development as an important ecclesiastical center and pilgrimage destination is traditionally ascribed to king Lalibela of the Zagwe Dynasty (ruled 1137-1270).

The eleven rock-hewn churches of Lalibela grouped into three clusters by Jordan River as well as trenches, slopes and surrounding mountains and valleys calls upon an exceedingly strong tourism attraction and a divine cultural experience that are classified in three groups. The first group consists of Bete Medahealem; the largest church, Bete Maryam, Bete Golgotha/Bete Michael, Bete Meskel and Bete Danagel.

The second group of encompasses Bete

Amanuel, Bete Gabriel-Rufa’el, Bete Merkorios and Bete Abba Libanos. The last group is called Bete Georgis.

According to investigations made by the government of Ethiopia it was confirmed that, Lalibela is on the edge of an earthquake zone. Small tremors have caused fissures in the original bed rock to move and expand, undermining the building’s structural integrity. In addition, water entering through cracks has caused erosion and increasing instability.

The churches were dug within the mountain itself. A complex network of corridors and trenches link together the isolated blocks of stone which, later on, have been carved out in order to create the shrines. All are cut into a hillside of soft reddish volcanic tuff, variable in

Photo by: lornaofarabia.files.wordpress.com

hardness and composition and sometimes scoriaceous (rough vesicular cindery lava), which slopes downwards to the south and is bisected by two torrent-beds both partly canalized. They are all masterpieces carved out of one big rock.

Following the waters eroding to this rock and vibration of the original doors caused structural problems so that it was needed to preserve a timeless cultural heritage. As a result, a project was planned to conserve and consolidate the third portion of the Lalibela church; Bete Gebrael-Rufael church which was implemented in two phases.

Phase one of the project was the preparatory phase and had been carried out from 2009 to 2013, led by UNESCO and World Monuments Fund with funds from Norway and Wilson Challenge Fund.

In this phase, survey was carried out on the monument, structural and architectural studies were conducted and a conservation plan was prepared. Zamani group from University of Cape Town did the Laser

scan survey of monument which helped to identify, document and map conservation problems that were observed on the monuments.

IPOGEA, University of Torino, and Italy carried out the structural study, which resulted into identifying and documenting major structural problems of the church.

Planarch, an Italian consultant company did the architectural study, while consortium of Planarch, Studio Crocci (Italian Company) and MH Engineering (a local company) prepared the conservation plan.

mesh reinforcement in place prior to casting waterproof layer. Then a parapet was created along the edge of the roof to direct surface drainage and prevent water running down to the facades, which had been a major cause of erosion. This parapet was made using fired bricks and finished with lime mortar.

Phase two was conducted between 2013 and 2015, led by World Monuments Fund with finances from US Ambassadors Fund from Cultural Preservation and Wilson Challenge Fund. This phase was composed of tender, conservation and training processes.

The next restoration was repairing the crown wall which was badly cracked, allowing water to enter into the church.

Water reacts with minerals in the rock surface also causing the rock to erode leading to damage of historic wall surfaces. So the conservation was begun with grouting. Cracks were cleaned using metal blades and flushed with water. Then, specialized grout material imported from Italy (BI- Fluid XB) was poured (injected) into the cracks to fill and seal them. Finally, the top of the cracks were finished with mortar and sealed with stones.

Tender for the project was announced in August 2013 with the involvement of UNESCO and Authority of Research on Restoration and Conservation of Cultural Heritage (ARRCCH). Elmi Olindo PLC won the project and signed the deal in January 2014 and officially commenced the preservation work in April 2015.

Conservation continues on the wall surface which is characterized as a building’s skin, when they disintegrated it loses much of its historic character. The tribulations showed the separation of surface stone from the wall face in thick ‘lesions’ on some areas and deep holes into the wall surface caused by a lveolation on others.

The implementation was started with restoring the roof, which was damaged by water entering the rock through fissures and cracks. Water reacts with minerals in the rock leading to expansion and contraction and causing the rock to erode. Erosion increased the size of cracks allowing more water to enter thereby worsening structural integrity. Water also encourages growth of moss and lichen on wall surfaces, which increases dampness exacerbating problems.

Hence, conservation was commenced by treating all wall and roof surfaces with a specialized biocide to remove organic growth. Holes in wall surfaces were repaired using locally-manufactured clay tiles finished with lime mortar.

The proposed solution was to create a waterproof surface over the existing flat roof, which was the major objective of the project. The waterproof surface was made in three layers. First layer was created with lime and pumice mortar to create falls.

Second layer is a waterproof layer using ‘Nuraghe’ lime-mortar. The third layer is the final aesthetic layer of lime and ground stone dust.

The first layer was completed and steel

The separation between the outer layer of the wall surface and the rocks were stabilized using bandages, cleaned, grouted then filled with lime moral. Cracks in wall surfaces were consolidated with grout injected using syringes.

Final preservation was on the structure of the Church, as it was on the edge of an earthquake zone, small tremors have caused fissures in the original bed rock to move and expand, undermining the building’s structural integrity. In addition, water entering through cracks has caused erosion and increasing instability. Some structural problems are caused by vibration of original doors

Issue 18 - April 2016 - The Eminence |

39

REFLECTION: LEGAL CORNER

Photo by: EWCA

Examples of wildlife and wildlife products you are not allowed taking out of the country

Confisicated Cheetah cubs

Confisicated Leopard skin

Hand braclets & neclaces made of elephant ivory

Many tourists visit Ethiopia for different reasons. Some come here for business while others choose Ethiopia for pleasure. One of the activities many choose to do is hunting. However, many tourists don’t know the law regarding hunting and the legal side of it. The Eminence’s TSEWAYE MULUNEH, gathered information on how hunting should be done and who is allowed to do it.

Hunting in Ethiopia: What to know before doing it Ethiopia is an ideal place to pay a visit for tourists who love animals such as wild mammals, birds and flora. If you are a nature lover and if you have a chance to come to Ethiopia for different purposes such as attending international summits of business meeting or for vacation, you have to consider exploring the natural resources of Ethiopia including the rich fauna and flora.

Over 70 percent of Africa’s highlands are found in Ethiopia. Not only that but also one of the lowest points on earth are also located in Ethiopia. These diversified natures endowed the country with a biodiversity species of fauna and flora, according to a data from the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA) booklet published on June 2015.

Figures indicate that there are about 320 species of wild mammals in Ethiopia of which 36 are endemic. Ethiopia also has about 862 species of birds from which 18 are endemic.

And that is why the country is tagged as ‘Paradise of Birds’. In addition to the rich bird species Ethiopia is home to various endemic species including, 15 reptiles, 30 amphibians and 41 fishes. Furthermore from the 7,000 types of higher plant species of the country 10 - 12 percent of them are endemic species found only in Ethiopia, To visit these varieties flora and fauna, you have to travel to the national parks wildlife sanctuaries where information can be found on the website of the EWCA http://www. ewca.gov.et/ or your nearest tourist office.

During your visit you might be interested in hunting or collect specimen of different fauna and flora. So many questions might be popped up into your mind such as, do I need a permit to hunt, is there any payment

40 | The Eminence - Issue 18 -April 2016

that needs to be made? Which animals can I hunt? Which kind of specimen can I collect?

These are some of the questions that could come to your mind.

According to EWCA which is located around Mexico Square in Addis Ababa, illegal wildlife hunting and collecting specimen are strictly prohibited and it can subject the hunter for imprisonment which ranges from one year up to 12 years. In addition illegal hunters might face fines ranging from 50,000 birr to 100,000 birr.

But you can hunt specific species of wildlife if and only if you are allowed and get licenses from the Authority. One can hunt for specific types of species that are listed on the website of EWCA after making payments for the hunting. But also an option, tourists can hunt after making a deal with hunting organizations that are licensed by EWCA. After you visit the wildlife of the country and hunted legally, you might plan to go back to your countries with some wildlife trophies as souvenirs and different species of fauna that you collected during your stay in Ethiopia.

But you need to stop here and ask yourself “are wildlife animal trophies allowed to be taken out of the country?”

The answer is NO, if the wildlife or wildlife products such as ivory, hide and skin, horns, teeth, finger, nails stuffed animals, eggs of ostrich and the like which are obtained illegally are not allowed to be sold and trafficked out of the country. But those wildlife and wildlife products obtained legally can be except ivory.

According to Daniel Paulos, Director of wildlife and wildlife products trafficking and control directorate at EWCA, it is only one

person in Addis Ababa who is licensed to sale such product. According to the director, EWCA is working closely with stakeholders to combat the challenge. They are mobilizing federal and regional police to follow up illegal trade and trafficking in wildlife and their products in suspected areas such as on souvenir shops from time to time. This accordingly has minimized the sale of illegal wildlife products.

“The Authority is also working with the Ethiopian Revenue and Customs Authority (ERCA) to tackle trafficking of these products in trafficking routs and at borders,” said Daniel.

According to Daniel Assefa, Higher Expert of illegal animal product trafficking at EWCA, Ethiopia has ratified a Convention on International Trade in Endangered species of wild flora and fauna (CITES), which works on protecting endangered wildlife species from trafficking.

“On arrival at airport besides the scanners and the monitoring is done and staff are trained on how to identify wildlife and their products to perform their job better,” explained Daniel.

The Eminence visited ERCA’s airport branch office, and observed sized wildlife products from travelers who were leaving the country.

So one should be beware of buying any wildlife and wildlife products as a souvenirs if anyone claims that he is legal in selling these products. In addition it is recommended that you request them to show you their license issued by EWCA.

Bon Voyage!

BIO Nandita Berry was the 109th Texas Secretary of State. She is married to nationally syndicated talk show host Michael Berry. They have two sons, Michael Tegegn Berry and Crockett Markos Berry.

Dear Ethiopia: The unexpressed bond

between my

children and you I have been asked to write to you about my impression of you, my feelings for you, and how I view you. Seems rather superfluous because you have been in existence since Lucy walked this earth, you know who you are, you know what your strengths are, you know where your warts are hidden, you know everything there is about you. If you photographed yourself 40 times, you could figure out in five minutes which your best and worst pictures are. But yet, if you posted those pictures on Facebook, to be consumed by many strangers, you would be astonished at how many “likes” you get on the pictures you don’t like, and how many “dislikes” you get on your best pictures.To you I am that person who follows you on Facebook. You are curious about my opinion. And, not only do you want to know what I feel about you because of my relationship with you, but because I am a ‘ferengi’, my perspective interests you.

that connect my children to Ethiopia are not just of birthplace, culture, or food, but bonds that are deep, bonds of human relationships, bonds of friendship that will outlast time and geographic space. My children were both born in Ethiopia. In 2008, my husband and I made our first trip to Addis Ababa, a place we had only seen on a map, to meet and bring to our home, our son Tegegn. Then again, we made a trip in 2011 to take Tegegn back to Ethiopia so he could see, understand, and appreciate his roots.

Then again in 2012, we returned to Ethiopia to bring Melese home to America. And, most recently, in 2015, we returned to Ethiopia to reintroduce her to both our children.

It has been four months since I last visited you. And, I thought of you today all the way on the other side of the world in Texas. I have two sons, age 10 and 9 in the 4th and 2nd grade respectively. We have a little ritual we play out every morning. After the hustle and bustle of breakfast and getting ready for school, we get into the car and I ask each of my children the following question. “What are your goals and wishes for today?,” I ask my youngest son Melese? “Remember Tegegn,” I say to my older son, “A goal is something you can control, a wish is something that you desire but can’t control. For example, you can have as a goal that you will complete your math homework today, but you can’t have a goal to make it rain.

But, you can wish that it rains today.” Melese answered, “My goal today is to be happy and smiling. My wish is that you be smiling, Ababa be smiling, my brother Tegegn be smiling and that my friends Amen and Bereket be smiling in Ethiopia.”

Excitement in our household was high before the trip. Our children were nervous, but looking forward to this trip with anticipation.

Their excitement was heightened because they knew that they were going to be spending a whole week with their best friends Amen and Bereket. Unlike the first time, when we arrived in Ethiopia and took a blue taxi down Bole Road to our hotel, this time we arrived to a reception reserved for family members. It was some unearthly hour of the night when we arrived, and yet, all our friends were there to greet us.

Our kids felt they were coming home to family.

In America, we would have greeted our visitors and sent them off to bed to catch up the next morning as we would have assumed they were tired after a long transatlantic flight. But, no, not in Ethiopia. The day for us ends at 10 pm, but for Ethiopians it is just starting. Ethiopian hospitality immediately took over and our friends took us back to their house where they had prepared a sumptuous meal featuring doro wat and injera. Thankfully, I knew that doro wat is made for only very special visitors and so instead of insisting that we go and sleep in the hotel, we settled down, and enjoyed our traditional Ethiopian reception.

And, so I started smiling. Because the bonds

We eat injera often in Texas.

Ethiopian food in our house and buy our injera from Ethiopian women who make it fresh daily.

While I have no scientific proof, I postulate that there must be something about the injera taste that is passed down genetically. My Tegegn is now 10 years old, and as American as apple pie.

Yet, he is completely habesha when it comes to his food. He has to have his injera a few times a week. If I put injera, kitfo, ayub and sega on one side of the table and hamburgers, pizza, steak, cake, and icecream on the other side of the table, he will, without hesitation always pick the injera. In Ethiopia, all he ate was injera, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The taste of injera is different in Ethiopia. It is lighter, darker and more fermented.

Ethiopia to the western world conjures up images of remote villages, the sights of Axum and Lalibela, incredibly fast and strong athletes who dominate the world in running, spicy food, music of Teddy Afro and Aster Awake, cultural dances, people wrapped in their gabi, and of course the long and complicated coffee ceremonies. But, that was not the only Ethiopia I saw this time. The Ethiopia I saw is taking dramatic leaps toward modernity. New condos everywhere, new metro, new roads and new highways. Highways that rival, and in some cases are better than American highways. New technology. Diversified business. Economic growth. Ethiopian cities are leading the way in Africa toward a new dawn, on their way to becoming economic powerhouses.

If I were to sum up what I think of Ethiopian people it is this. They are the kindest, most loving people I have ever met. If you ask someone for a favor, even if they cannot do it, they will say “eshi, let me try.” Do you know why? There is not a direct translation for the English word “NO” in Amharic. That should tell you all there is about habesha people

We cook

Issue 18 - April 2016 - The Eminence |

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ENTERTAINMENT:

THE EMINENCE

Pick of the Month Book

eekingoutinethiopia.files.wordpress.com

Maaza Mengiste’s first novel, “Beneath the Lion’s Gaze,” opens in 1974 during the last days of Selassie’s six-decade rule. She tells her story through one family, their friends and domestic staff.

This confidently, economically, makes the reader care for them.

This is a book anchored to the body, vivid with smells and fears and violations.

Beneath the Lion’s Gaze

From the largest elephant to the smallest shrew, the city of Zootopia is a mammal metropolis where various animals live and thrive. Determined to prove herself, Judy, the first rabbit to join, jumps at the opportunity to solve a mysterious case.

Unfortunately, that means working with Nick Wilde, a wily fox who makes her job even harder.

Director: Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Jared Bush Stars: Stars: Shakira, Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba and J. K. Simmons Length: 1h 48m

https://upload.wikimedia.org

Movie

Music Abdu Kiar Tikur Anbessa Abdu Kiar released his long waited Album ‘TIKUR ANBESSA’ recently. The Album contains various concepts about Ethiopians, love and other related issues as well. TIKUR ANBESSA is Abdu Kiars 4th Album and the Album is getting big buzz around Addis Abeba and the surrounding cities.

16 -April -February 42 | The Eminence - Issue 18 20162016

Food Recipe

http://allrecipes.com

Needed ingredients

Ethiopian Cabbage Dish

• • • • • • •

1/2 cup olive oil 4 carrots, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 head cabbage, shredded 5 potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

Direction Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the carrots and onion in the hot oil about 5 minutes. Stir in the salt and pepper along with the cabbage and cook another 15 to 20 minutes. Add the potatoes and cover. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until potatoes are soft, 20 to 30 minutes.

Enjoy!

Sudoku

Tourist Corner Name: Paulo Deifrincisci Age: 42 I’ve been in Ethiopia for: 3 years I am from: Italy I am in Ethiopia because: Pasta production project An Ethiopian concept or way of thinking that you don’t understand: am fine with the way of living it’s just the bureaucracy and the dalliance on the customs which is giving me a headache.

Something that has been hard to find here but easy to find in your home country: Supplying Materials, Raw materials, Food materials as well Something that has been easy to find here but hard to find in your home country: Vegetables Your most favorite thing about Ethiopia: Coffee and the weather.

Your least favorite thing about Ethiopia: Pollution and traffic jam

16 - April February 2016 Eminence Your favorite Ethiopian Tibs 2016 Issue cuisine: 18 - The- The Eminence |

|43 43

ENTERTAINMENT: CLASSIFIED Best Halls in Addis Ababa Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Available Rooms: 12 Accommodates: From 30 - 500 People African Union (AU) Available Rooms: 40 Accommodates: From 35 -2, 500 People Sheraton Addis Hotel Available Rooms: 9 Accommodates: From 40 -450 People Hilton Addis Ababa Available Rooms: 8 Accommodates: From 20 -650 People Radission Blu Addis Ababa Available Rooms: 2 Accommodates: From 12 -120 People

Places for Retreat Kurifitu Resort & Spa Location: Bishoftu (Debrezeit) Things to do: Restaurant & Bar, Swimming, Kayaking, Spa, Rooms Kurifitu Resort & Spa Location: Bahir Dar Things to do: Restaurants, Rooms with Lake Tana View, Fireplace, Swimming, Spa Adulala Resort Location: Bishoftu (Debrezeit) Things to do: Restaurants & bar, Spa & Gym, Bungalows, Horse riding, fishing at Babo Gaya Lake & much more African Vacation Club Location: Langanoo Things to do: Restaurant & bar, Swimming, Kayaking, Spa, Rooms, Horse ridding, Game Zone and Different Beach Games Yaya Village Location: Sululeta Things to do: Restaurant & bar, Horse Riding, Rooms & High Attitude training Liesake Resort and Spa Avanti Blue Nile Hotel Location: Bahir Dar Things to do: Bar and Restaurant, Rooms with overall city view, massage

Immerse yourself in Ethiopian Music and Dance Fendika Location: Kazanchis Time: from 7:00 PM- Mid night 2000 Habesha Location: Bole Time: from 7:00 PM- Mid night

What to see in Addis Ababa?

Holy Trinity Cathedral Location: Arat Kilo

Beautiful Scenic and Wildlife in Ethiopia

National Museum Location: Amist Kilo

Ethiopian traditional clothes and jewelry market Location: Shiro Meda Panoramic view of Addis from Entoto Location: Entoto

Hangout Spots Edna Mall/ Bob and Bongos Things to do: Watch box office movies, Skating, basket ball, cafés, 7D movies Lafto Mall Things to do: Read your favorite books & enjoy hot drinks Balageru Coffee Things to do: Read your favorite books & enjoy hot drinks Bilos Café Things to do: Some of the best pastries in town

Night Life in Addis Gaslight Night Club Location: Sheraton Addis Club Illusion Location: Next to Ambassador Theater Black Rose Location: On Boston Building Champion Bar Location: On Boston Building Liquid Lounge Location: Next to Intercontinental Addis Hotel Club H2O Location: On Yolly Building, “Chichiniya” Suba Lounge Location: Wollo Sefer on Ethio-China road Gravity Lounge Location: Next to Bole Medihanialem Church Fendika Club Location: Kasanchis

Ethiopian Korean War Veterans Association Location: Afincho Ber The largest open market in Africa Location: Merkato The gold jewelry market Location: Piassa

44 | The Eminence - Issue 18 -April 2016

Al Mendi Location: Meskel Flower Specialty: Arabian Restaurants

Four Seasons Location: Bisrat Gabriel Specialty: Japanese, Thai and Indian

Ethnological Museum Location: Sidist Kilo Park (Anebesa Gebi) Location: Sidist Kilo

International Cuisines in Addis

Caribo Resturants Location: Mekinisa Specialty: Caribbean and African cuisine Simien Mountains National Park Location: Semien Gondar Zone of the Amhara Region Some of the animals that can be found: Gelada baboon, Simien fox & Walia Ibex Nechisar National Park Location: SNNPR Some of the animals that can be found: Burchell’s Zebra, Grant’s gazelle, Guenther’s Dik-dik, Anubis Baboon & Grey Duiker.

Awash National Park Location: Southern part of Afar Region and northeastern of Oromia Region Some of the animals that can be found: Beisa oryx, Hamadryas Swaync’s Hartebeet Omo National Park Location: SNNPR Some of the animals that can be found: Burchell’s Zebra, Gerenuk & Kudu Mago National Park Location: SNNPR Some of the animals that can be found: buffalo, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, hartebeest, leopard, lion and zebra

Bale Mountains National Park Location: Oromia Region Some of the animals that can be found: Topi, Lelwel Hartebeest, Bustards, Hornbills, Weavers & Starlings

Castelli Location: Piassa Specialty: Italian Restaurant Chez Fasil Restaurant and Bar Location: Meskel Flower Specialty: Specialized in Nouvelle & Fusion Cuisine German Restaurant Location: Near Japan Embassy Specialty: German food and beer Kuriftu Diplomat Restaurant Location: On Boston Building Specialty: “The ultimate global cuisine” Hahn Khuh Restaurant Location: Atlas Specialty: Korean Aladdin Location: Near Japan Embassy Specialty: Middle Eastern

Some of the best Coffee house Tomoca Coffee Abissiynia Coffee Alem Bunna

Gambella National Park Location: Gambella Region Some of the animals that can be found: Nile Lechwe,White-Eared Kob, Roan Antelope, and Whaleheaded Stork Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park Location: Oromia Region Some of the animals that can be found: Great White Pelicans and Flamingo Yangudi Rassa National Park Location: Afar Region Some of the animals that can be found: Beisa Oryx, Dorcas gazelle, gerenuk and Gravy’s zebra

Your Home Away from Home for Your Extended Stay Beer Garden Inn (Guest House) Total Rooms: 21 Location: Bole Medhanialem Road near Edna mall GT Guest House (Guest House) Total Rooms: 13 Location: Kirkos kifle ketema, 200m in from Dashen Bank on Sierra Leone Street Yeka Guest House (Guest House) Total Rooms: 14 Location: British Embassy across the street from the Bio-Diversity Institute Addis Guest House (Guest House) Total Rooms: 12 Location: Bole road 5 minutes from Bole International Airport

“Please let it be noted neither the editorial team nor the company is liable for any errors or mistakes on the sources of information. The list is in no specific order”.

PHONE SERVICE Toll Free Information Service Federal Police Commission National Operator Fault Report Dial Up Internet Pre Paid Mobile Service/Bill Inquiry/Lost Mobile Registration/ Number Change Information Broad Band Customer Service PSTN Service Voice Mail

PRIVATE HOSPITALS 997 916 998 994 900 994 980 980 908

COURRIER SERVICE DHL EMS(Ethiopia) Federal Express TNT Skypok UPS Trans Express Ethiopia

011 662 16 00 011 515 20 72 011 618 63 83 011 551 41 54 011 662 13 09 011 551 41 54

UN United Nations Development Program United Nations Children Education Fund United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

011 663 35 82 011 518 40 00 011 551 72 00

BANK Abay Bank Addis International Bank Awash International Bank Bank of Abyssina Berhan International Bank Buna International Bank Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) Construction and Business Bank Cooperative Bank of Oromia Dashen Bank Debub Global Bank Development Bank of Ethiopia Enat Bank Lion International Bank Nib International Bank Oromia International Bank United Bank Wegagen Bank Zemen Bank

011 552 88 51 011 557 0502 011 557 00 00 011 551 41 30 011 618 57 32 011 158 08 67 011 122 87 55 011 551 23 00 011 552 27 59 011 467 18 03 011 467 40 87 011 551 11 88 011 550 49 48 011 662 60 00 011 550 32 88 011 557 21 13 011 465 52 22 011 552 38 00 011 550 11 11

AIRLINES British Midland (BMI) Egypt Air Ethiopian Airlines Emirates Kenya Airways K.L.M Royal Dutch Lufthansa Saudi Airline Yemen Airways

011 665 04 94 011 156 44 93 011 665 66 66 011 518 18 18 011 551 42 58 011 552 55 41 011 551 56 66 011 663 81 37 011 551 50 76

FIRE BRIGADE Station Menilik II square Station Addisu Kera Station Mekanisa Station Nifas Silk Station Akaki Station Megenagna Station Bole

011 156 70 40 011 466 34 20 011 276 91 46 011 442 55 63 011 434 00 96 011 663 03 73 011 664 85 80

POLICE STATION Police Information Federal Police Commission AA Police Commission

Addis Cardiac Hospital Addis Hiwot Hospital Bete Zata Hospital Landmark Hospital Hayat Hospital Kadisco Hospital Broad Band Customer Service PSTN Service Voice Mail

011 663 47 20 011 618 04 49 011 551 41 41 011 552 62 29 011 662 44 88 011 629 89 04 980 980 908

COURRIER SERVICE DHL EMS(Ethiopia) Federal Express TNT Skypok UPS Trans Express Ethiopia

011 662 16 00 011 515 20 72 011 618 63 83 011 551 41 54 011 662 13 09 011 551 41 54

PUBLIC HOSPITALS Black Lion (Tikur Anbessa) Hospital Menilik II Hospital Ras Desta Hospital

011 551 12 11 011 123 42 72 011 155 33 99

LIBRARY Academy of Ethiopian Languages Addis Ababa Municipality Library Alliance Ethio-Française British Council Economic Commission for Africa library German Cultural Institute Italian Cultural Institute J.F Kennedy (A.A.U) National Libraries & Archives

011 551 59 26 011 155 01 11 011 155 02 13 011 155 00 22 011 551 72 00 011 155 28 88 011 111 34 27 011 111 04 33 011 551 62 47

ART GALLERY Asni Gallery Ersas Art Studio Goshu Art Gallery Gigi’s Afro Asian Design& Fine Interiors Makush Gallery

011 123 32 44 0913 66 02 30 011 661 03 97 0912 20 43 37 011 552 68 48

Sudoku Answer

TOUR AND TRAVEL Eminence Social Entrepreneurs Koreb Tour Operators Kibran Tours Plc Rainbow Car Rental and Tour Services

011 823 71 82 011 662 3179 011 662 62 14 011 371 79 40

PHARMACY Abader Pharmacy Bata Pharmacy Ethio German Pharmacy

011 662 43 97 011 655 21 34 0911 20 94 88

ONLINE CLASSIFIED 2 Merkato Latest Ethiopian Tenders and Bids Buy and Sell ( Ethiopia) Gulit Online Market Mekina Online Car Market Kaymu Whats Out Addis?

www.2merkatos/ tenders buysellethio.com wwww.gulit.com www.mekina.ney et.kaymu.com Whatsoutaddis.com

991 916 011 157 21 21

Issue 18 - April 2016 - The Eminence |

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46 | The Eminence - Issue 18 -April 2016

To place an advertisement on The Eminence Magazine, Please contact us: +251- 118-678-187 contact@eminence-se.com social@eminence-se.com

Issue 18 - April 2016 - The Eminence |

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Phone : +251 115 158278 / 507074 Fax : +251 115 151338 / 504948 P.O.Box: 18401, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Address: Kirkos sub-city, woreda 8, in front of Yordanos Hotel.

Email: info@enatbanksc.com SWIFT Code: ENATETAA

48 | The Eminence - Issue 18 -April 2016