Written by Mina Yirga - Horizon Ethiopia Staff Writer
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
Sometimes we collide with coincidences (good or bad) that can dramatically change our way of life forever. Yet such twists of fate can be a good reminder of the reason for our existence. It was just that kind of twist that brought Fissehatsion (Fish) Tadesse to establish and operate PEFAN - a child and youth focused development organization in Addis Ababa which not only changed his way of life but remains at the center of it to this very day.
One fine Saturday afternoon, I had a chance to visit PEFAN (PREI Effort For All in Need) Center where I met 41 foster kids in different age groups. I sat amongst the crowd so I could talk with each on how they got into this place. “It’s all because of Fish!” each kid in turn uttered this name many times and I lost count in short order.
Fish’s Journey
Fish Tadesse used to live a modest life in Sweden working in a hospital as an assistant nurse for patients with cancer. He also used to work at an integration program with a local non-profit organization called PREI to help foreigners who were having difficult times in Sweden. “I always dreamed of helping people. I have this soft spot for ill fated women. Maybe it’s because I grew up as the only son among my 7 sisters. I used to dream of winning the lottery so that I can help orphaned children in Ethiopia. I even thought of helping four or five children from where I was. Nothing makes sense unless I am here in presence to touch and see the kids every day.”
Moving back home for good probably was the toughest decision for Fish. Even worse, he couldn’t find a job as quickly as he was hoping to. He finally volunteered at Gandhi Memorial Hospital for 8 weeks.
“I was just passing by the hospital’s corridor when I saw an older woman assisting a young girl who had been suffering from pre-labor. I could easily guess from their resemblance that they were mother and daughter. They couldn’t find a bed since the hospital was packed with patients. I tried to lend a hand but at first they resisted my offer. On many afternoons, I would meet the two in the same place except the young woman was suffering with so much pain until she finally delivered a healthy baby girl by C-section.”
The newly born girl was the seventh granddaughter for W/o Ayelech. All five of W/o Ayelech’s children and seven grandchildren lived under the same roof in a very pitiable conditions. Fish become their regular visitor and gave his wholehearted care and support to this family. As a mark of respect they named their daughter ‘Eufrata Fissehatsion’ and agreed with Fish to take her for an adoption.
“With that Eufrata became my first kid. Soon after, I couldn’t resist the burning desire of helping other children and mothers in difficult situations. I meet different kids from different corners of Addis. I used to spend some time talking with them. I used to convince them on how they could stand a good chance of a normal life. W/o Ayelech volunteered to share her house for this purpose before I rented a villa around Kera. It’s been nine years now. My kids have grown in number and wisdom.”
Fast Facts
Name of Organization
PEFAN (PREI Effort For All in Need)
Year Established
1999
Description
A child and youth focused development organization
• Tax deductible donations in any amount
• Sponsor a child for $420 USD per year
• Help pay for rent and utilities at the Center ($100/mo)
• Host a fundraiser on behalf of PEFAN
• Donation to pay for a field trip for the PEFAN children ($100-150 USD)
• Visit the Center and speak with the children
• Volunteer to help at the Center (English teachers needed)
When I graduated from high school in 2001, I decided to defer my
acceptance to Georgetown University for one year and use the time to go
live in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for 10 months. Within my first week in
Addis, my cousin Fish took me to meet the kids at PEFAN. That was the
day that I began what has become one of the most rewarding and
enriching experiences of my life.
Fish asked me to help by teaching English at PEFAN.
Fish gives a high premium to education at PEFAN. All the kids are sent to one of the best schools in town. Moreover, they are obliged to come to PEFAN Center 5 times a week to be tutored on their education and on how to keep their hygiene. They also have free discussion time on any topic of their choice. Besides, they have drama and music periods to help them develop in their talent, speech and confidence. The kids are divided into 3 groups; Group One from age 17-19, Group Two from 15-16 and Group Three from 5-12. Currently, 11 children between 17 and 19 are being taught to teach children below their age group. Each child is backed by guardians (sponsors) to make up for their material needs.
Fish at first had spent a very challenging time especially with the first group. “I can say I have worked 200% to make this happen. I gave all my money and time for it. In the beginning, they were secretive and uneasy to communicate with. It was hard to tell whether they are happy or not. You cannot be sure whether they are saying the truth or not. They really find it hard to express their feelings. At this point I almost decided to give up. I used to pray for strength not to lose them for I see them as my valuable assets (Ye enae Genzeboch!). God has kept us all here.”
Finally, he decided to add drawing in his method of teaching. Fish called every one to express his feeling by sketching on the black board. Little by little, they started to open up at last. Later on Fish started to understand their nature. “Most were orphan kids from the streets, children of very young mothers or from divorced parents. Some of them have parents but they are either alcoholic or are with other problems. The environment they have lived in and the society they have been with had deprived them of their basic needs. Nobody bothered about their true feelings. They have failed to trust anyone in sharing their fear, anger even their love. They have grown to be shy and with low self esteem.”
Now, love has conquered them as a whole. Fish didn’t sacrifice his everything for nothing but has instead formed a confident and respectful segment in the society which has gained the courage to face up to its bitter past. A bright young future dedicated to reach his or her own milestone in life. There is no greater love than giving up oneself for others!
Comments
(1)
Expressing My Appreciation/Encouragement written by Girma , January 08, 2009
I came to PEFAN's site via an introduction to it first and foremost by Alem and then Senait provided me with detailed information on the children and her burning desire to be with them all the time. Needless to say that I have a soft spot in my heart when it comes to children and they got my attention to this cause. I would like to express my admiration to those that are involved with PEFAN and my utmost appreciation to people that work hard wholeheartedly to practically apply what is been written as an objective in the site. Thank you all and God Bless You!
The newly born girl was the seventh granddaughter for W/o Ayelech. All five of W/o Ayelech’s children and seven grandchildren lived under the same roof in a very pitiable conditions. Fish become their regular visitor and gave his wholehearted care and support to this family. As a mark of respect they named their daughter ‘Eufrata Fissehatsion’ and agreed with Fish to take her for an adoption.
Fish at first had spent a very challenging time especially with the first group. “I can say I have worked 200% to make this happen. I gave all my money and time for it. In the beginning, they were secretive and uneasy to communicate with. It was hard to tell whether they are happy or not. You cannot be sure whether they are saying the truth or not. They really find it hard to express their feelings. At this point I almost decided to give up. I used to pray for strength not to lose them for I see them as my valuable assets (Ye enae Genzeboch!). God has kept us all here.”
