OCTOBER 16, 2022
Science Museum Field trip
in Addi Ababa. The Alumni Association of Asra Hawariat School took the students on a field trip to the newly opened 1billion birr Ethiopian Museum of Art and Science. Petros Tilahun, one of the Alumni organizers, stated: "We wanted to give our students a higher level of vision. Our beloved founder and headmaster, Asfaw, always told us we should participate in producing competent citizens in science and technology. This is what we have started. Technology and science inspires students to think and form questions based on what they see and learn; this leads them to want to gain further knowledge and understanding which they are then able to pass onto others."
University of Vermont establishes professorship in Asfaw's name
Associate Professor of Pediatrics and neonatologist Danielle Ehret, M.D., M.P.H., was invested as the inaugural Asfaw Yemiru Green and Gold Professor in Global Health in a formal ceremony held at the University of Vermont’s Larner College of Medicine on July 28, 2022. Press Release.
(From left to right) Monica Delisa; Patty Prelock Ph.D.; Jeffrey Horbar, M.D.; Danielle Ehret, M.D., M.P.H.; Lewis First, M.D.; and Richard L. Page, M.D.
MAY 8, 2022
1ST ANNIVERSARY OF ASFAW'S PASSING
A letter from the Hon Secretary, Timothy Kinahan:
This was my first visit in two years, a Covid-enforced absence, and the first since the death of Asfaw Yemiru, our founder. So this trip was of special importance. The May 8th anniversary of Asfaw’s death is marked as an occasion of special significance in Ethiopia. This event, to which I had the privilege of being invited, was impressive, emotional and fitting.
The day started with the liturgical inauguration of Asfaw’s grave and memorial, just to the right as you come through the newly replaced school gates. Cue splendid liturgical robes, umbrellas, tapers, incense and chanting. After about an hour the cloths were removed from the grave and the statue, and the fountain was switched on. A highly charged moment.
I can imagine Asfaw’s reaction: "Why all this? The money should have been spent on the poor!" But I am reminded of Jesus’s response when His disciples said the same thing: the poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me (Matthew 26:6-13).
Besides, this is important for his family and school community.
This was my first visit in two years, a Covid-enforced absence, and the first since the death of Asfaw Yemiru, our founder. So this trip was of special importance. The May 8th anniversary of Asfaw’s death is marked as an occasion of special significance in Ethiopia. This event, to which I had the privilege of being invited, was impressive, emotional and fitting.
The day started with the liturgical inauguration of Asfaw’s grave and memorial, just to the right as you come through the newly replaced school gates. Cue splendid liturgical robes, umbrellas, tapers, incense and chanting. After about an hour the cloths were removed from the grave and the statue, and the fountain was switched on. A highly charged moment.
I can imagine Asfaw’s reaction: "Why all this? The money should have been spent on the poor!" But I am reminded of Jesus’s response when His disciples said the same thing: the poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me (Matthew 26:6-13).
Besides, this is important for his family and school community.
,And then to the speeches. Many of them, mostly mercifully short. My Amharic being next to negligible (a fact that I have always regretted), I understood very little of what was being said. The only one that was translated for me was one by Dani Mesfin, son of Ras Mesfin, hero of the resistance to the Italian invasion. He spoke of Asfaw’s virtues and reminisced on their time together at the Wingate School. I was also called to speak.
Then it was to food: prepared, funded and served by former orphans, who put on a great spread. Some of them have their own catering operation, which helped. A literal feeding of the 5000. They have their own ‘grown in Asfaw’s School’ WhatsApp group.
Then it was to food: prepared, funded and served by former orphans, who put on a great spread. Some of them have their own catering operation, which helped. A literal feeding of the 5000. They have their own ‘grown in Asfaw’s School’ WhatsApp group.
Time to catch up with former students, all now grey-headed, just like me. Former orphans who reminded me of bus trips to Sodere and Langano 30+ years ago. One, Emebet, works for a British photographer and has persuaded him to do a photo project of the school over the next few months with the aim of getting some of the British and Ethiopian press, who gave Asfaw such generous obituaries, to do something on the 2nd anniversary in 2023. And it means that we should now get some decent photos! We met up on my last morning in the country, when he spent an hour happily snapping (not that someone of his calibre actually snaps) before kindly taking me to the airport.
Then the VIP contingent, which for some reason included me, went round to lay wreaths on Asfaw’s grave. Solemn and dignified, especially when accompanied by the plaintive sound of a shawm-like instrument, whose name I neglected to ask.
Then much mingling, photo-ops, selfies and even a TV interview. The compound gradually cleared, looking like Glastonbury when the festival goers have left – but was spotless for school the next morning. All told, a very special occasion. The alumni group who organized it all are seriously dedicated and an impressive bunch, full of plans to help the school and put Asfaw’s memory at the heart of the national story. We hope that they and AHSF can work together to realise that dream: the will is there. You can see some of their work on their Facebook page – Aserehawaryat Primary School. Here is me with Petros Tilahun, their guiding light:
Then the VIP contingent, which for some reason included me, went round to lay wreaths on Asfaw’s grave. Solemn and dignified, especially when accompanied by the plaintive sound of a shawm-like instrument, whose name I neglected to ask.
Then much mingling, photo-ops, selfies and even a TV interview. The compound gradually cleared, looking like Glastonbury when the festival goers have left – but was spotless for school the next morning. All told, a very special occasion. The alumni group who organized it all are seriously dedicated and an impressive bunch, full of plans to help the school and put Asfaw’s memory at the heart of the national story. We hope that they and AHSF can work together to realise that dream: the will is there. You can see some of their work on their Facebook page – Aserehawaryat Primary School. Here is me with Petros Tilahun, their guiding light:
Senayet, Asfaw’s widow (below) is amazing. Over the past number of years, as Asfaw aged, she has been the head of the team that runs the school. She is competent, respected and energetic, more than capable of continuing the school and its ethos.
After two years of Covid-enforced absence, these were a special few days. Good to see the school continuing to do well what it has always done well. And to catch up with former pupils and orphans – teachers (including school principals), bankers, university academics, traders, bureaucrats, engineers, nurses, a girl doing her PhD in astrophysics, IT professionals, pharmacists, accountants, doctors and many other occupations.
The compounds have always been havens of tranquility amidst the urban noise. That is still true. The ‘New Land’ is surrounded by tall apartment blocks, so we had to build a protective fence to retain that privacy. It is still an amazing open space.
The compounds have always been havens of tranquility amidst the urban noise. That is still true. The ‘New Land’ is surrounded by tall apartment blocks, so we had to build a protective fence to retain that privacy. It is still an amazing open space.
It has always been good to see the kids having room to play, and that is till the case...
In addition there are plans locally to name the stadium (below) that is being constructed on what used to be unused ground just outside the school gate as the "Asfaw Yemiru Stadium." Before he died Asfaw had transferred ownership of that land to the local community. And some more unused ground close to the ring road nearby is planned to be converted into the "Asfaw Yemiru Park." I hope this update gives you some flavour of how things are at the school in 2022, and that you find it interesting. Your support over past years, and into the future, will ensure that it continues.
NOVEMBER 2021
On 7 November, the school alumni organized a program commemorating 6 months since founder Asfaw Yemiru’s death at age 78. The all-day event collected clothes for the needy and books for the school children. A memorial assembly was blessed with candle lighting and speeches by esteemed guests and school principal and Asfaw’s wife, Senayet. Afterward generous attendees donated blood in a medical tent and planned for future events.
October 2021
This month we are extremely proud to report that our school has been awarded a most prestigious trophy in recognition of their educational achievements. This stunning trophy and certificate were awarded by the Department of Education to the Asra Hawariat School. The school was chosen out of 33 schools in the sub city of Addis Ababa, and was based on four years of consecutive superior assessment and evaluation. This accolade was not easily won since the school was in competition with schools where facilities and finances far outweigh ours. They received this award without compromising the fundamental objective of our school for the needy.
Recently pupils and staff were issued with masks. The school remains most diligent in its COVID 19 prevention measures.
The school is most appreciative of the Asra Hawariat School Fund for their generous financial assistance and moral support. They also recognise and give credit to the staff, administrators, teachers, students and parents of the school described as the ‘life blood.’
Mention is made again this month of the partnership between staff and parents. The author of this summary well remembers a conversation en route to Lake Lugano with Asfaw where she was quizzed about her school in the UK and the frequency and substance of parental visits. Those committed to Asfaw’s legacy work hard to establish a working relationship with parents and understand how this contributes enormously to an improvement in the teaching and learning process.
Mention is made again this month of the partnership between staff and parents. The author of this summary well remembers a conversation en route to Lake Lugano with Asfaw where she was quizzed about her school in the UK and the frequency and substance of parental visits. Those committed to Asfaw’s legacy work hard to establish a working relationship with parents and understand how this contributes enormously to an improvement in the teaching and learning process.
September 2021
This month Senayet Akililu updates us on the school closing ceremony in June and of staff meetings held during the summer to evaluate the past academic year.
Children accompanied by their proud parents flooded into the school assembly hall for the annual closing ceremony and distribution of report cards. Guests from the local community were also present. Senayet addressed the colourful audience and expressed her firm determination to continue the untiring work started by her husband Asfaw so many years ago. Parents and members of the community were requested to give their unreserved cooperation to honour Asfaw’s legacy.
The school director Abera Yosef gave his report on the academic performance of the school also mentioning the value of the many other extra-curricular activities offered to the children. The meeting was then opened up to the floor and many suggestions, opinions and comments were made. Abera outlined the operational plan for the next academic year. Then came the time the children had been waiting for. Certificates were awarded to those who ranked 1st 2nd and 3rd in each class. Each child also received an end of term report card.
Children accompanied by their proud parents flooded into the school assembly hall for the annual closing ceremony and distribution of report cards. Guests from the local community were also present. Senayet addressed the colourful audience and expressed her firm determination to continue the untiring work started by her husband Asfaw so many years ago. Parents and members of the community were requested to give their unreserved cooperation to honour Asfaw’s legacy.
The school director Abera Yosef gave his report on the academic performance of the school also mentioning the value of the many other extra-curricular activities offered to the children. The meeting was then opened up to the floor and many suggestions, opinions and comments were made. Abera outlined the operational plan for the next academic year. Then came the time the children had been waiting for. Certificates were awarded to those who ranked 1st 2nd and 3rd in each class. Each child also received an end of term report card.
It is interesting to note the date on this report card as 2013. The Ethiopian calendar is similar to the Coptic Egyptian calendar since both have 13 months in a year. The New Year is marked on the 11th September. So it is now 2014!
Staff from the school, both teaching and administrators met during the holidays to evaluate the past academic year. Problems were addressed and solutions recommended. This was an opportunity to further cement mutual understanding and unity of purpose.
This has been a difficult year for Asra Hawariat School as they coped with maintaining education for their students during a pandemic and the loss of their esteemed founder and educator Asfaw Yimiru.
Staff from the school, both teaching and administrators met during the holidays to evaluate the past academic year. Problems were addressed and solutions recommended. This was an opportunity to further cement mutual understanding and unity of purpose.
This has been a difficult year for Asra Hawariat School as they coped with maintaining education for their students during a pandemic and the loss of their esteemed founder and educator Asfaw Yimiru.
JUne 2021
This month we have uplifting reports of teacher support for the school following the death of Asfaw, celebrations of pupil achievements, the ongoing work to improve standards of education and the welcome return of extracurricular activities.
Following the death of their respected director and school founder, the teaching staff met to discuss their role in the future of the school. They spoke passionately of the need to maintain Asfaw’s legacy.
“We vow to keep alive the selfless devotion and indefatigable hard work of Asfaw so that his legacy does not die with him.”
Then, in an overt show of solidarity and support for the school community including the administration staff the teachers pledged allegiance to their school and served lunch to all, paid for out of their own pockets!
As is the norm all pupil achievements are celebrated to encourage healthy competition and acknowledge personal triumphs. This month the top scorers in mid semester exams were applauded by their peers and teachers after morning registration.
Like all successful schools the AHS cannot be complacent in their endeavour to improve standards. Internal and external assessments continue to drive future improvements in teaching and administration in the two campuses where 886 children are taught.
It is indeed reassuring and encouraging to know that extracurricular activities missed so much in past months have resumed. The school is meticulous in observing all Covid 19 prevention procedures.
Following the death of their respected director and school founder, the teaching staff met to discuss their role in the future of the school. They spoke passionately of the need to maintain Asfaw’s legacy.
“We vow to keep alive the selfless devotion and indefatigable hard work of Asfaw so that his legacy does not die with him.”
Then, in an overt show of solidarity and support for the school community including the administration staff the teachers pledged allegiance to their school and served lunch to all, paid for out of their own pockets!
As is the norm all pupil achievements are celebrated to encourage healthy competition and acknowledge personal triumphs. This month the top scorers in mid semester exams were applauded by their peers and teachers after morning registration.
Like all successful schools the AHS cannot be complacent in their endeavour to improve standards. Internal and external assessments continue to drive future improvements in teaching and administration in the two campuses where 886 children are taught.
It is indeed reassuring and encouraging to know that extracurricular activities missed so much in past months have resumed. The school is meticulous in observing all Covid 19 prevention procedures.