Postcard from Addis Ababa #2

My second day in Addis Ababa and I already feel like I’ve been here for a week. I’ve seen so much already.

Here’s a small selection of images of some new friends.

Firstly, the delightful Bethy, who has captured our hearts and inspired us in ways that I cannot even begin to describe. My friends at a child’s right are unanimous that she will make a captivating subject for a short video documentary. Today I had the privilege of accompanying her home on the school bus, where she introduced me to her parents, who welcomed me into their home. I just hope that I can do her story justice. It’s a story that deserves to be told and I consider myself enormously fortunate to be in a position to be able to tell it.

Secondly, every photographer needs a reliable and trustworthy assistant and the street children of Addis Ababa might not be the first place you’d be tempted to go recruiting but young Brooke proved to be the most enthusiastic of students. He joined with other homeless boys for breakfast of a bread roll, banana and cup of hot milk, after which he helped me photograph and took a few impressive shots himself.

The street boys are the very definition of “rough and ready” and clearly life on the street is as tough as you might imagine. Yet, even here, despite the intensity of the boys’ existence, there is humour.

Yes, today has been an eye-opener in many respects. I’ve enjoyed spending time with the local children and have been overwhelmed in every sense by the kids; emotionally, spiritually and literally. I’ve never before been unable to stand due to the sheer weight of children hanging from my arms, legs, rucksack and camera straps.

I’m looking forward to bringing you more images from the streets, schools and orphanages of Ethiopia’s capital city over the next two weeks.

Posted on Tuesday, December 6th, 2011 at 2:15 am. Filed under: Blog, Charity, Travel Tags: a child's right, charity, ethiopia RSS 2.0 feed.