Ethiopian History, Culture & Language

We are pleased to welcome Alemayehu Abebe to our camp where he will join us for Ethiopian History, Culture Language talk. Alemayehu Abebe, PhD is an Ethiopian linguist who has traveled extensively in the southern parts of Ethiopia studying the languages of the region. With over 10 years of experience, Alemayehu Abebe is an expert in Ethiopian Language Studies and Ethiopian Literature. In addition to his extensive education and experience, he has also written numerous published papers on these subjects.

Mr. Abebe was raised in Jimma, Ethiopia, where he completed his primary and secondary education. He graduated with a BA in Ethiopian Languages and Literature from Addis Ababa University in 1984. In 1996 he earned a PhD from the University of Maryland.

How We Define "Family"

Adoptive mom Maureen Evans and her daughter Aselefech will share the story of their family decision to search for Aselefech's birth family. Aselefech was adopted with her twin sister from Ethiopia at 6 years of age. Now 20 years old, Aselefech will talk about being adopted by white parents, about having two US-adopted brothers, and about the joys and challenges of "fitting in" with family and friends. Maureen will share stories and photos of her first trip to Ethiopia in 2008 and her journey to the small village where her daughters spent their first 5 years, and where Maureen was joyfully welcomed. In late 2008, Aselefech was contacted through Facebook, with the outcome that she travelled to Seattle this January 2010 and reunited with a beloved big brother whom she hadn't seen in almost 15 years. "Family" can be defined in many ways: we see it as more people to love.

Aselefech Evans was 6 years old when she and her twin sister Adanech arrived from Ethiopia to join their US family. Aselefech graduated from Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, MD, in 2007. She is now an honor roll student at Prince George's Community College, where she is majoring in social work. Aselefech has presented many workshops for adoption organizations on topics including transracial adoption, racial and ethnic identity issues, and, more recently, her story about successful search and reunion with her Ethiopian family.

How We Define "Family"

Adoptive mom Maureen Evans and her daughter Aselefech will share the story of their family decision to search for Aselefech's birth family. Aselefech was adopted with her twin sister from Ethiopia at 6 years of age. Now 20 years old, Aselefech will talk about being adopted by white parents, about having two US-adopted brothers, and about the joys and challenges of "fitting in" with family and friends. Maureen will share stories and photos of her first trip to Ethiopia in 2008 and her journey to the small village where her daughters spent their first 5 years, and where Maureen was joyfully welcomed. In late 2008, Aselefech was contacted through Facebook, with the outcome that she travelled to Seattle this January 2010 and reunited with a beloved big brother whom she hadn't seen in almost 15 years. "Family" can be defined in many ways: we see it as more people to love.

Maureen Evans has been involved in adoption personally and professionally for over 20 years. She was the first executive director of the Joint Council on International Children's Services, an affiliation of international adoption agencies, as well as interim executive director of the Barker Foundation (a full service adoption agency licensed in Maryland, DC, and Virginia), and executive director of Children's Home Society and Family Services-East, located in Silver Spring, Maryland. Her undergraduate degree is from Georgetown University, and she holds a master's degree from the University of Maryland, College Park. She and her husband are the proud parents through adoption of four children, now all young adults.

Raising Confident Children in a Culture-Conscious World

Sheila Adams Gardner & Carol T. Muleta will hold a workshop titled Raising Confident Children in a Culture-Conscious World

As parents, we all sign on for the multi-faceted challenge of rearing children who are confident, capable, and compassionate. Each family is a unique tapestry of personalities. In this workshop, we will introduce ways in which families can nurture and celebrate each child’s individual nature (cultural and otherwise). We will discuss approaches to establishing values and customs that instill a genuine interest and commitment to one’s family while laying a solid foundation from which your children will spring forth into adulthood.

Heritage and Culture Conference parents have the unique additional challenge of providing their children with a cultural awareness that builds self-esteem, while living in a world where differences are not always appreciated. Parents will learn how to ensure a smooth integration of the adoptive child into the family and pave the way for positively strong sibling relationships. We will also present ideas for cultivating in your adoptive children a respect and regard for their cultural origins that will follow them and embolden them.

Sheila Adams Gardner a stay-at-home mom of three, co-founded Mocha Moms of Alexandria, Virginia in 2001. She created and currently chairs a support group for mothers of school aged children providing parenting resources, workshops and encouragement. Sheila is an attorney currently practicing in the area of adoption and guardianship. In 2006, she created a character education curriculum for ‘tween girls used in a Milwaukee area public school. Passionate about educating parents, Sheila has organized many parent education events at her children’s school as president of the parent association. Desiring to reach a broader range of parents, Sheila co-founded Gardener Parenting Consultants.

Raising Confident Children in a Culture-Conscious World

Sheila Adams Gardner & Carol T. Muleta will hold a workshop titled Raising Confident Children in a Culture-Conscious World

As parents, we all sign on for the multi-faceted challenge of rearing children who are confident, capable, and compassionate. Each family is a unique tapestry of personalities. In this workshop, we will introduce ways in which families can nurture and celebrate each child’s individual nature (cultural and otherwise). We will discuss approaches to establishing values and customs that instill a genuine interest and commitment to one’s family while laying a solid foundation from which your children will spring forth into adulthood.

Heritage and Culture Conference parents have the unique additional challenge of providing their children with a cultural awareness that builds self-esteem, while living in a world where differences are not always appreciated. Parents will learn how to ensure a smooth integration of the adoptive child into the family and pave the way for positively strong sibling relationships. We will also present ideas for cultivating in your adoptive children a respect and regard for their cultural origins that will follow them and embolden them.

Carol T. Muleta is a member of the Alexandria VA chapter of Mocha Moms. With an M.B.A. in marketing, she has a background in new product development, product management, and strategic planning. Carol, whose husband is Ethiopian, is a stay-at-home mom of twins since 1999. Carol has served her community in many roles including Mocha Moms chapter president, children’s worship director at her church, and Trustee positions on the boards of her children’s school and a parent education group where she also serves as a parent educator. Along with Sheila Gardner, Carol has formed Gardener Parenting Consultants.

Monocultural to Transcultural

Aimee Richards will join us to address a transcultural family. When a child is adopted by parents of another culture, they do not become the Ethiopian (or Chinese or Guatemalan) child of American parents. The family as a whole is transformed. That family takes on the responsibilities and privileges of being a transcultural family. Aimee's discussion will help you

• Understand the meaning and importance of culture
• Understand the evolution of a family from monocultural to transcultural
• Identify ways to integrate Ethiopian culture and customs into your family life

Aimee Richards Aimee is Assistant Professor of Communication at Fairmont State University. Among her areas of research interest is Intercultural Communication. Richards holds a Masters of Art degree in Educational Psychology and Communication from West Virginia University and is currently completing a doctorate in Educational Psychology. Richards is also the co founder of Ethio-American Family Services. Aimee began her adoption journey in March of 2007. In November of 2007, her life was forever changed for the better by the addition of her daughter, Brynly, to her family

Special Adoptions

Carol Bittner-Stimely will lead the Special Adoptions topic specifically Adopting Older Children/Adopting Siblings. She will discuss the unique challenges and rewards involved in bringing these children into your family. Carol is an attorney specializing in prisoner litigation. She is employed by the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. She lives in Anne Arundel County, Maryland with her husband Ross Stimely who is a high school English and media teacher. Carol and Ross are the parents of four daughters; two are Ethiopian and were 3 and 6 at homecoming in November, 2007.

Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony

Almaz will join us to do The Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony Almaz is a wonderful hostess with a beautiful smile and a playful nature that will bring joy to the camp.

Ethiopian Traditional Singer

The Ethiopian banquet and party just went to next level with Maritu. Maritu is an Ethiopian traditional singer and is known as the Queen of Bati & Ambasel :- Get ready for chifera (a great traditional dance) with Maritu!!!!!!

Ethiopian Traditional Cooking

Endalkachew Mekonnen from Endalk's kitchen will hold the cooking classes. Endalk’s Kitchen is Endalk's flagship cooking show airing on the Ethiopian Television Network (ETN) every wednesdays. The show features Ethiopian as well as international dishes and innovative ways of cooking and healthy diet. Endalk is an experienced Ethiopian chef specializing in Ethiopian as well as international cuisine. From Ethiopia's spicy 'Wot' to the Italian Lasagna, Endalk has the creativity and the knowledge to make the best out of your ingredients.

Temesgen's Music

The camp atmosphere will be transformed completely as Temesgen takes us to Ethiopia by playing his Begena and Krar (Ethiopian traditional string instruments) throughout the camp.

Temesgen, a versatile singer-songwriter, was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He has studied with Alemayehu Fanta and Teacher Teshome at the Yared School of Music in Addis Ababa. It is Temesgen's dream to keep alive the ancient musical traditions of Ethiopia; he is in the process of setting up a school to teach the Begena and the Krar.

"Listen to the stark, haunting sounds of traditional Ethiopian music and you will be elevated to a place free from worries and strife. The wisdom and knowledge of centuries of culture are communicated by the nimble fingers and resonant voice of Temesgen. Temesgen sings songs of life, of love and of devotion. Deeply spiritual, with the simple truth of folk music, sanded and distilled by generations of musicians, these songs have evolved over the ages to shine with the pristine beauty of the very roots " - liner notes from Begena Bedtimes (2006).

EXCLUSIVE OFFER TO OUR FAMILIES FROM TEMESGEN:

Exclusively at http://www.temesgen.com for the first 50 orders
buy 1 Begena Bedtimes CD or 1 Traditional Favorites CD and get your choice of 1 King David's Harp CD or 1 Ethio Banjo CD free

Offer is available for the first 50 people that mention the EHCC Family

IMPORTANT: make sure you include one of these 2 notes in the comments area of the checkout page to get your free CD:
1. "EHCC Family and King David's Harp"
OR
2. "EHCC Family and Ethio Banjo"

place your orders now at http://www.temesgen.com

Family Portrait - SMILE!

You hair is braided and your Ethiopian outfit is ready. Only one thing remains, you have got to capture the moment! Derege Zewdie from DJ Photography will join us and give you the opportunity to take a family portrait. Derege is a very highly regarded professional photographer with 16 years experience in wedding and portrait photography.

Keynote Speaker

We are pleased to have Michael Sarbanes as our Keynote Speaker. He and his wife Jill have three adopted children-- two teenage sons from Bahir Dar, Ethiopia (Mulugetta, age 16 and Anteneh, age 14) and a five year-old daughter from Baltimore.

In addition to his role as a parent, Mr. Sarbanes has devoted his career to public service, where his work has focused on strengthening communities on behalf of children and families. He has served as an attorney with the Community Law Center, Executive Director of the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention, Deputy Chief of Staff to Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, and most recently as Executive Director of the Citizens Planning and Housing Association (CPHA) from 2003 to 2007.

In February, 2008 Mr. Sarbanes was appointed Executive Director of Partnerships, Communications and Community Engagement for Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools). He is responsible for engaging partners, parents, families, and community organizations in support of City Schools. He is also responsible for all intern al and external communications for City Schools.

Mr. Sarbanes was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended Princeton University on an ROTC scholarship where he graduated in the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. He was awarded a George C. Marshall Fellowship to study at Oxford University, and received his law degree from New York University School of Law where he was a Root-Tilden scholar.

Michael resides with his family in the Irvington community of Baltimore City where he has been active as a coach and youth church leader.

Growing up in America

Salem Tsegaye will join the panel discussion of Growing up in America. Salem is a 21 year-old from Woodbridge, VA, and is currently a summer external relations intern for the National Children's Museum. She is a rising senior at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, with a double major in Cultural Anthropology and English, with a certificate in Children in Contemporary Society. Salem has completed two summer study programs abroad in Venice, Italy and Oxford, England. She recently completed a semester abroad in Istanbul, Turkey and has plans to return to conduct further research for her senior thesis on the Turkish higher education system. Upon graduation, she has plans to conduct research and teach abroad, or become a teacher here in the US through the Teach for America© program. She plans to attend law school within the next three years and plans to concentrate on Child Advocacy and/or Public Interest Law with hopes of establishing a career in education reform.

Traditional Dance Show

We are glad to have the Ethiopian Club at Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, MD. Among many things, these highschoolers will assist our young ones with the activities such as traditional Art & Craft, dance, games ...etc. They will also put a formal show for the entire family to enjoy by performing a variety of traditional dances.

The Ethiopian Club at Montgomery Blair High School began in 1997. It is a club for students to come and learn more about the Ethiopian culture, and it is a place for students to socialize with Ethiopian students. The Ethiopian Club holds activities throughout the year including a pizza party, ice skating, a holiday celebration and an annual fundraising show.

Ethiopia Travel

We are pleased to have Andarge Asfaw join us in a discussion of how to build a compelling trip itinerary for your next visit to Ethiopia. Andarge has been leading photography tours of Ethiopia in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines Journeys as well as touring privately for his photography studio. As an instructor of photography in the US, Asfaw brings his expertise in planning an itinerary for an amazing, creative learning experience in a supportive and easy-going environment for the novice or experienced traveler. Ethiopia's antiquity, religious significance, its geologically rich regions and abundance of cultural diversity make for an unforgettable travel experience.

In addition to his artistic talents Andargé, has a potent vision: the re-greening of the deforested regions of Ethiopia through tree planting. In support of his vision, he has produced a wonderful photograph book, Ethiopia from the Heart. This poignant collection of photography highlights the unique beauty of the Ethiopian culture and landscape. A portion of book sales is donated to organizations planting trees in Ethiopia.

Andargé Asfaw is Ethiopian born photographer/educator/author. Ethiopia from the Heart has evolved into a lifelong endeavor. Asfaw, a board of professionals and several volunteers created Canopy Ethiopia, 501(3)(c) pending. Canopy Ethiopia's mission is to restore the canopy in Ethiopia. Renewal of lush forests removes millions of tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, reduces erosion, brings plant and animal life into balance and renews livelihoods. Educating citizens on sustainability is a key element in protecting young trees that have been planted. Canopy Ethiopia's extended mission is to fund the distribution of energy efficient cookers.

Andarge will bring Ethiopia form the Heart to our camp for book signing. Then, his next exhibition/book signing event will take place at the Modern Art Museum of Gebre Kirstos Desta Center in Addis Ababa from September 18 through November 18. 2010. Recent exhibitions include the Hallmark Museum of Contemporary Photography and Howard Community College's Rouse Foundation Gallery in the U.S.

Deedie Stuart will discuss travel to Ethiopia, for those planning an adoption trip. If such is the case, you may want to take the opportunity to travel early to see more of the country. Join us for a discussion on the advantages of such a decision. Deedie Stuart is an adoptive parent who traveled to Ethiopia in 2006 to meet her son. While in country she also traveled to Bahir Dar and Gonder and fully endorses extra travel in Ethiopia. "It's the best investment you can make."

Where to travel? For how long should you plan the trip? How many places can you visit? Any safety issues you should be aware of? Should you hire a guide? Deedie will address these and other questions.

Negash Tsegayof Addis Document & Courier Services will also be at the conference. Negash is a former consular officer with several years of experience at the Embassy of Ethiopia in Washington, DC. and will share his knowledge on visa, legalization and authentication,etc

Growing up in America

Benyam Bezuneh Jarso will join the panel discussion of Growing up in America. Benyam is a rising sophomore at the University of Chicago. A recent graduate from Gilman School in Baltimore, he is on track to complete a double major in Economics and Public policy. Throughout high school, he actively participated in a variety of academic and extra-curricular activities and in leadership positions. He served as co-president in the Young Democrats club, co-president in Human Relations Committee and as the president of the Diversity Committee at his school, as well as president of the Gilman Political Society. In high school, Ben also competed in several sports, including varsity track, indoor track, and wrestling. Ben continues to wrestle at the collegiate level, for the University of Chicago. Ben plays violin and viola and has studied comprehensive music theory at Peabody Institute Youth Preparatory Program. He was a finalist for the National Achievement award and looks forward to going to studying abroad and going to graduate school. Ben and his family live in Owings Mills, Maryland.