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Desta Mender (Joy Village in
Amharic) was built on land donated by the Ethiopian Government about 10
kilometres from the hospital. The village's 10 houses have 45 women
with chronic long-term injuries which prevent them from returning home.
January 2010 Update
The dairy farm is progressing well and the income the women
generate is very encouraging. Some are planning to move out of the
Village and this will be a major step for them towards self-reliance.
We have three batches of chickens in the poultry house. Records are
kept on feed, egg production and sales and the ladies are determinedly
working at the farm. The literacy class is working to teach the women
basic skills such as business and mathematics, as well as hygiene and
personal health management. The new programme will support and provide
a better chance for them in their progress to sustainable and independent
living.
The Juniper Cafe by the lake opened in time for the
Golden Jubilee Celebrations, thanks to the help of Mrs
Rae Newman from Australia and with the funding of Soroptimist International
- Margaret Lobo International. Mrs Newman trained the women in
catering and hospitality. They have been learning the art of making
pastry, pies, cakes and soups, as well as other meals. They worked hard
over the two days of the Jubilee to provide hot and cold drinks and
wonderful Australian pies for the guests. They are now running the cafeteria
by themselves as the Newmans have returned to Australia and this is a very exciting opportunity for them.
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