Photo #1: #hand
In Ethiopia, I found that the best activities I could do with students were hands-on activities. These types of activities they seemed to enjoy so much more and go so much more out of. For example, I did one activity with a group of students where we built a bench using recycled materials. It was a little messy in that our hands got a little gross from handling trash and some got covered in cement. But it was still a lot of fun for the students. They learned that there are so many better options in reusing recyclable materials rather than just burning it and this activity also encouraged them to get creative. No matter what it is you are doing abroad, I will always now recommend taking a hands-on approach if possible.
Photo #2: #games
When working with youth, I have found that games are super important. You have to find ways in which to catch their interest. I did a lot of trainings when I lived in Ethiopia and the people that attended my trainings would not have enjoyed them if not for including activities throughout the trainings. Games and activities not only important in keeping participants interested, but are a fun way in which to help them retain important information. Especially for youth when in a long training, they won't want to stay if they get bored (applicable for any youth, not just those in Ethiopia!).
Photo #3: #family
In Ethiopia, family is super important. The structure of a family is really important when to comes to running a household and maintaining a sense of that Ethiopian culture.
Photo #4: #shoes
One thing I noticed in Ethiopia is that in the more rural areas (once you are out of the major cities), a lot of people (kids in particular) will either be wearing very worn out shoes or opt to wear no shoes at all. In such poor areas, I do understand why this is. I wish I could have been able to give every kid with no shoes a pair, but I did and still do not have the means to give every single one a pair. With this being said, I had to avoid giving anything out because others would expect more from me. It is sad to me that when being in a place that has such a huge need, I couldn't provide certain types of help because of my limitations in providing that type of help and not being able to meet expectations.
Photo #5: INeverKnew
One thing I never knew until arriving in Ethiopia and getting to know the people and culture is how prideful the Ethiopian people are in their country. To be honest, despite how great this can be, it can unfortunately be handicapping the country in that it can be very hard for people to accept change because that would mean potentially changing their culture, their way of life, and/or they live on a day to day basis.
