It's been a little while...

Yes we're still here! I've got behind on blogging as our two sons keep us very busy! Below are some recent pictures of Nati picking blueberries

Patriots Victory Day

Today is a great day of celebration in Ethiopia – Patriot’s Victory Day! 

Patriots’ Victory Day is commemorated by Ethiopia every May 5th to give respect to the Ethiopian patriots who fought for the independence of their country’s capital, Addis Ababa, in 1941.

Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia made a grand entrance into Addis Ababa on May 5, 1941, to mark the end of the Italian occupation. Selassie had deliberately chosen that date because exactly five years earlier, the Italians had entered the city and initiated a period of occupation that halted Ethiopia's long legacy of sovereignty. However, the intervention of British forces and other Allies, as well as the heroics of Ethiopian patriots, helped preserve Ethiopia's independence. Ever since, Ethiopians have annually commemorated Selassie's famous arrival into the capital.

In Addis Ababa, government leaders, diplomats, patriot associations, and city residents turn out to honor veterans who fought in the resistance movement between 1935 and 1941. A dignitary often lays a wreath before one of the city's monuments commemorating Ethiopia's various military victories. Army brass bands also perform to mark the occasion and many schools and universities take part in the Patriots’ Day celebration as well by holding programs and educational plays for the students to familiarize the history of the holiday. The local government of Ethiopia and the Ethiopians all over the world never fail to celebrate this event in the country’s history.

Nati

I like these pictures as this is what we usually see of Nati now (full of energy and running) he doesn't slow down often!

Happy Easter

 This year.

Last year. He is growing up so fast...


We hope everyone had a HAPPY Easter!!

Tsehai

I’m pleased to share the news that CNN International is airing a 30 minute feature about the work of Whiz Kids Workshop this weekend. CNN will cover the story of the educational children’s television programming created in Ethiopia over the past 6 years, including “Tsehai Loves Learning” and “Involve Me,” the new youth TV series made in partnership with Save the Children Denmark, as well projects in production related to literacy, science, or public health. The episode is part of an ongoing CNN series called “African Voices.” In CNN's words "African Voices highlights Africa's most engaging personalities, exploring the lives and passions of people who rarely open themselves up to the camera."

CNN International reaches 200 million households internationally in over 200 countries.  

Our project has gained increased attention in recent months, following the award received from Rolex. Here is a link to Rolex’s page about our work: http://young.rolexawards.com/laureates/bruktawit_tigabu

Please share the good news and tune in on the following dates.

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http://edition.cnn.com/CNNI/Programs/africanvoices/index.html

Coming up: Bruktawit Tigabu

Bruktawit Tigabu is co-creator of "Tsehai Loves Learning," an Ethiopian TV show that uses puppets and animation to promote early childhood education.

Watch the show at the following times: April 23-25

•Saturdays: 0830, 1430

•Sundays: 0800, 2100

•Mondays: 1030, 1730 (all times GMT)

If you can’t manage to watch the program on CNNI – it will appear on their website next week sometime.

(The program will not air on the US version of CNN.  A few cable operators carry CNN International in the US.  On AT&T U-Verse it can be seen on channel 205)

"Like" our work on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tsehai-Loves-Learning/42628965212

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Involve-Me/137270359631305

To support their efforts:

http://www.whizkidsworkshop.com/donate/donate.shtml

Thank you so much! 

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Bruktawit Tigabu

2010 Rolex Young Laureate

http://young.rolexawards.com

General Manager & Co-Founder

Whiz Kids Workshop

http://www.whizkidsworkshop.com

Winners of BakaForum Germany 2010 - Proposal Division

Winners of Japan Prize 2009 - UNESCO Prize

Winners of Japan Prize 2008 - Pre-School Category

Winners of 2008 Prix Jeunesse International - Next Generation Prize

Winners of 2008 Educating Africa prize

P.O. Box 608 Code 1250

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Nati's new look

Nataga has recently discovered cowboy boots. He hasn't wanted to wear shoes lately so we don't fight the issue! I guess the horse ride really left an impression!

Gonna be a cowboy!