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Peace Rallies Held throughout Ethiopia
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Twelve meetings were held throughout Ethiopia November 11-22 to introduce the Universal Peace Federation and its peace messagae to a wide variety of people. Guest speakers included Rev. Ho Jin Lee, who came from Korea, and Assistant Continental Director of UPF-Africa, Rev. Sue Eun Ryoo. Japanese goodwill ambassadors Mrs. Tomoko Owa and Mrs. Yuko Berberich invested much effort and heart into organizing the events.In Ddbrezeit, 48 people attended a gathering organized by Mr. Frew Bekele at Rift Valley University College. As master of ceremonies, Mr. Frew welcomed the participants and briefly explained the objectives of UPF. A video about UPF was shown and the five basic principles of peace were explained by Rev. Ryoo. Rev. Lee read the keynote address. Following a prayer for blessing of families, Ambassador for Peace certificates were presented to participants.
Similar programs took place in other cities.
A rally at Akaki Sub City on the outskirts of Addis Ababa drew 66 participants. One student responded, “I really appreciate your devotion and dedication to come from a far distance, leaving your families behind, to give us such a wonderful education on how to realize peace in our family, society and our nation.”
A youth association leader in Mojo, Mr. Tamrat, who is also Ambassador for Peace, visited the UPF office in Addis Ababa and received information, which he and Mr. Masresha used to organize a rally in their city attended by 42 young people, who were inspired with the vision of Youth Ambassadors for Peace.
Forty-eight lecturers and students at Adama University attended a rally at the university and appreciated the vision and mission of UPF.
A university student, Mr. Dagmawi, organized a rally in Shashemene that attracted 272 participants. A traditional dancing group showed their dancing talents for the audience.
A television crew attended the rally at the City Hall in Zeway to interview the mayor, who was among the 140 participants. The vice head of the Zeway Education Office, Mr. Dejene Regassa, commented afterwards: “Even though we live under one umbrella, we are different in culture, ethnicity, and status of life. As to my point of view, everybody should be committed for the realization of peace, love, trust and freedom in the world starting from his family. It is my ambition to see the success of this project.”
The rally in Welkite was organized by Mrs. Yuko Berberich, a founder of UPF-Ethiopia. The opening remarks to the 67 participants were delivered by Mr. Eristu Yireda, who is the chairman of the Gurage Zone; a Muslim leader offered the invocation. Mr. Yireda commented afterwards: "Even though peace is a necessity for everybody throughout his life, most of us are not working hard to have peace. Thank you for your invitation to attend the program." The head of the Health Department in the Gurage Zone, Mr. Alemu Menjiye, wrote: "Everybody prays for peace because life cannot develop without peace. Please continue your activities to create awareness about the need for peace all over the world and being faithful each other."
The rally at the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce was organized by Siyoum, who is Executive Director of the Nebabit Youth Association. There were 25 participants.
The rally at the Negash Lodge Hall in Woliso was organized by Mrs. Tomoko Owa and Mr. Masresha Shumye. The 76 participants included the mayor and deputy mayor. They expressed interest in ongoing educational programs for the community.
Thirty people attended a rally at the Fortune Academy in Alemgena.
The rally at Dil Betigil elementary school in Addis Ababa was attended by 142 teachers and students. Mr. Wondwesson, an Ambassador for Peace and a teacher, organized the event. Ambassador for Peace certificates were given to the school director and some teachers. The following day another rally was held at the school.
To read a message delivered at UPF peace rallies click here.