Do Unto Others

Here in Ethiopia, we’ve been gathering our racers, creating our teams, and preparing for this fall’s IntSam Global 5K event.  This year’s event raises more money for scholarships, and I have experienced the difference that scholarships make for our scholars. An IntSam scholarship helped me graduate from Gondar University with a degree in psychology.

When I look back on my time as a student, it was my first teacher who changed the course of my life.

Growing up around Kore, when it came to choosing schools, families in my neighborhood had two options: Better-off families took their kids to contemporary kindergartens; less fortunate ones, like my family, sent their kids to traditional schools called “kes timehert bet,” which translates to “priest school.” My maternal grandfather was also an Ethiopian Orthodox priest, which I believe was one of the reasons he sent me to this school to learn the Amharic alphabet and basic prayers.

Ethiopians have a different name for priests who are in the process of teaching young children how to write, read, and learn discipline– they are called “Yenetas.”

My teacher’s name was Yeneta Gebeyehu. He was a lifeline for many children in my neighborhood.  I was a difficult child.  I didn’t enjoy being cooped up. I was continuously fighting because I wanted to play at all costs.  At least, that’s how I was before I met Yeneta.

One sunny day, Yeneta gave me the task of reading the Amharic alphabet from a chart on the wall before walking away. When I discovered he was gone, I began disrupting the class. He unexpectedly showed up and caught me in the act. He could have punished me before the class. Instead, he led me outside and shared his personal story of how he was transformed into a godly man. I’ll never forget the sympathetic look in his eyes. I had endured many beatings from my family, but Yeneta’s kindness made me stop my disruptive behavior.

Yeneta served the poorest of the poor. The small tarp that shaded our classroom by day was his cover to sleep under at night. His source of income was a three-birr fee paid by each family (five cents in U.S. dollars).

After I was at college, one of my IntSam scholar friends called me. He and other students were organizing a program to feed and spend time with elderly people in need. Yeneta was the first person that came to mind. I could not participate in person since my school was far away, but I gave what little I had, believing it would help.

IntSam scholars and alums named the group Samrawi. Each college scholar submits ideas and monthly contributions. The program was an absolute success, helping Yeneta and other elders. Gift bags were donated to elders, which included a note of gratitude for the role they played in raising us. The Samaritans provided lunch, and the day was filled with dancing and laughter.

Many of our elders have taken an active role in raising children in their communities. Now, through Samrawi, it is our turn to help care for them in their autumn years.

It’s been three years now since the first Samrawi lunch. The Samrawi group has continued, but unfortunately, Yeneta passed away.

I am glad I didn’t wait to thank him for putting me on the right path.

Zelalem Bayichekin, Program Coordinator

Zelalem, a psychology graduate from the University of Gondar, recently joined the IntSam Ethiopian team. He is always ready to extend a helping hand to anyone in need. Born and raised in Kore, Zelalem’s understanding of the struggles and opportunities to be found in the community makes him invaluable to the IntSam scholars there today.

IntSam’s Ethiopia partnership was in the news last week!