The Ministry of Tourism announced that it has made arrangements for the second generation Ethiopians to explore the wide range of attractions.
It is to be recalled that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called on second generation Ethiopians residing in different countries to return home in three rounds, starting from December 30, 2023 to September 30, 2024.
The first round, which took place from December 30, 2023 to January 29, 2024, saw second generation Ethiopians responding to the call and reconnecting with their roots.
A warm welcome was extended to them at Bole International Airport by the Addis Ababa City Administration, the Prime Minister’s Office, and other organizations.
The diaspora were then provided with an integrated services in Addis Ababa, allowing them to visit both new and existing attractions.
As part of the tour program, a comprehensive tourism package was prepared by focusing on notable destinations such as Entoto Park, Unity Park, Friendship Park, and the Addis Ababa Old City Square, includ
ing Piazza. They were also able to visit to the National Museum, where various attractions including the famous Lucy are exhibited.
In addition to designing packages that enable them visit various tourism attractions across Ethiopia, the ministry has been implementing one stop window services to ensure a hassle-free visa process for the second generation Ethiopians, it was learned.
Tourism State Minister Sileshi Girma emphasized that those participating in the second and third round will have the opportunity to explore different regions of the country, encouraging Ethiopians worldwide to visit the country and experience the diverse tourist destinations.
Besides knowing their country, a favorable environment is created for those interested in engaging in various investment opportunities.
Reflecting on their experiences during the first phase, second generation Ethiopians who came to their homeland expressed appreciation for the warm welcome they received upon arrival.
Neima Samir from London stated tha
t they had the opportunity to visit different places of attraction within Addis Ababa city.
Prince Fethanegest from Sweden described his admiration of the places he visited, saying that he found them to be on par with European destinations.
Both Neima and Prince Fethanegest called upon people to visit Ethiopia, emphasizing the abundance of captivating locations to explore.
“We started our tour in Adwa, a remarkably beautiful and awe-inspiring place. I highly recommend visitors to prioritize this destination. It holds a significant historical importance and offers delightful experiences,” Neima said.
Prince Fethanegest added that “although born in different countries like Europe, America, Arab countries, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, the roots of the diaspora are in Ethiopia. There is so much to see, so many places to visit here. Ethiopia has its unique charm.”
According to the call made by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the second round visit of second-generation Ethiopians will take place from F
ebruary to the end of May, with the aim of deepening their understanding of Ethiopian history.
The third round will follow, running from June 23 to January 29, 2024, with the objective of leaving a lasting impact on the participants.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency
Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says the Tintswalo story referred to by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday evening is an inspiration for many South Africans.
‘The Tintswalo story is a representation of all us,’ Minister Ntshavheni said.
This as the President in the SONA painted a picture of a child born in 1994, named ‘Tintswalo. He said Tintswalo grew up in a society that was worlds apart from the South Africa of her parents, grandparents and great-grandparents.
‘The story of the first 30 years of our democracy can be best told through the life of a child called Tintswalo born at the dawn of freedom in 1994. She grew up in a society governed by a constitution rooted in equality, the rule of law, and affirmation of the inherent dignity of every citizen,’ said the President as he narrated her story.
He described her upbringing as being in a household provided with basic water and electricity, in a house where her parents were likely to have live
d without electricity before 1994.
Speaking to SAnews, Ntshavheni said Tintswalo is a representation of all those who are called the ‘Black Diamonds’ of their families.
‘Tintswalo is a representation of progress we have made as a country that a child from Makwarela can be a Minister, that a child from Tshifudi can be a lawyer, that a child from Dzingidzingi can be a nurse, that a child from an ordinary family can become a doctor,’ said the Minister.
The address delivered by the President was the last one for the sixth administration which saw the President being inaugurated on 25 May 2019.
In his address on Thursday, the President reflected on the progress made by the country as it marches to celebrate 30 years of freedom this year.
The SONA marks the official start of the Parliamentary programme. It will be followed by a debate in the National Assembly and the President’s reply to the debate.
Source: South African Government News Agency