ADDIS ABABA
Nearly 120 second-generation Ethiopians and their family members have traveled from Canada to Addis Ababa for a monthlong visit focused on cultural exchange, volunteer work and community engagement.
The group departed from Toronto Pearson International Airport as part of an initiative coordinated by former Ethiopian national team footballer Ashenafi Girma, according to Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The visit is part of an effort to strengthen connections between Ethiopia and younger generations of its diaspora, with participants expected to spend a month experiencing the country and engaging with local communities.
Ethiopia’s ambassador to Canada, Theodros Girma, saw the delegation off at the Toronto airport and emphasized the importance of connecting younger generations of the diaspora with Ethiopia’s history, culture and national identity, according to the ministry.
Theodros said initiatives of this kind can help strengthen diaspora engagement in nation-building and community development while fostering people-to-people diplomacy.
During their month in Ethiopia, members of the delegation are expected to participate in cultural exchanges, volunteer programs and community service activities.
The ministry also pointed to repeated calls by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for Ethiopians living abroad, particularly younger generations, to strengthen their ties with their country of origin.
The focus on younger generations comes as Ethiopian officials seek to encourage diaspora members to maintain connections with the country through cultural engagement and community participation.
Ashenafi and members of the delegation expressed their commitment to sustaining and expanding the initiative, according to the Foreign Ministry, with the aim of creating lasting opportunities for younger generations of the diaspora to connect with their roots and contribute to Ethiopia and its people.
