Some moments in life feel like a breath of fresh air—a vibrant, undeniable surge of optimism about what people can achieve when they put their hearts into it. That feeling perfectly encapsulated the evening of September 20, 2025.
It wasn't just a simple anniversary; it was a triple celebration—marking the 7th birthday of the Rotary Club of Addis Ababa Enderasse, welcoming the Ethiopian New Year, and witnessing the solemn, yet joyful, changing of the guard during the leadership handover.
Held at the culturally rich Yod Abyssinia Cultural Restaurant, the evening was filled with laughter, fellowship, and cultural pride, bringing together members, friends, and leaders of Rotary in a spirit of gratitude and renewal..
To see this club, which is the second youngest Rotary club in Ethiopia, reach this seven-year milestone is to witness the sheer power of consistent, dedicated, service above self. We often hear about grand schemes and billion-dollar aid packages, but the real, sustainable change happens in places like the Rotary Club of Addis Ababa Enderasse, where committed individuals roll up their sleeves and invest their time and trust in their own community.
Since its founding, the club has built a long-standing partnership with the Zewditu Meshesha Children and Family Charity Development Association, supporting the center through diverse initiatives - from educational mentorship and health awareness programs to critical infrastructure development. This isn’t a one-off donation relationship; it’s a commitment to walking alongside the center.
The Dignity of Sustainable Change
What truly shows the dignity of sustainable change about the Club’s approach is the focus on dignity and sustainability. The club’s signature achievement, the Bakery Project at the Zewditu Meshesha Center, is a perfect example. It's easy to donate food; it’s transformational to help someone earn their own living.
This project, which is thankfully moving rapidly into its implementation phase with a goal of 50% completion by mid-2026, is designed to create sustainable livelihoods for women and youth. It’s not charity; it’s an investment in economic empowerment, giving people the tools to shape their own future.
The club’s work is a mosaic of impact, touching different corners of the city and its people. They didn't stop at one charity. They tackled public health head-on by constructing a much-needed public toilet facility in Addis Ababa. They reacted with immediate, human compassion during the darkest days of the corona virus pandemic, organizing multiple donation drives that supported organizations like GIV Ethiopia and other vulnerable groups.
Investing in the Next Generation
The Rotary Club of Addis Ababa Enderasse looked to the future, marking a major milestone in youth engagement by chartering two Interact Clubs, showing the next generation that leadership isn't just about position—it's about service.
If the Bakery Project is about economic dignity, the club's educational initiatives are about intellectual dignity. The current Rotary year began with a memorable Buhe (Ethiopian cultural holiday) celebration at the Zewditu Meshesha Center, where the club donated over 160 books to enrich the children’s library. Books are the bedrock of opportunity, and this donation is a quiet but powerful statement about empowering the next generation through learning and leadership.
The anniversary event itself was a powerful affirmation of this vitality. It wasn't just cake and speeches. It was a moment of sincere gratitude, recognizing book donors who contributed to the successful campaign and celebrating three new members inducted by the District Governor-Elect Esayas Yeyesuswork.
Seven years is just the beginning. The Rotary Club of Addis Ababa Enderasse is not just a club; it’s a living, breathing testament to the power of human connection and the quiet, persistent effort required to build a better world, one project, one book, one bakery at a time. They have given us a beautiful reminder of what has been achieved—and a truly inspiring promise of the greater impact yet to unfold.
Edited by Judy Kibigo.