This past week we have been commemorating 50 years of Cheshire Services Ethiopia. Founded by Group Captain Leonard Cheshire in 1962, with the help of the Ethiopian Royal Family, they have since proved the most enduring and one of the most successful NGOs in Ethiopia.
As with the Cheshire Homes in the UK, the main focus of Cheshire Services Ethiopia’s work is with disabled people – here that is especially with children (and particularly those afflicted by polio).
Last Monday I held a small reception to commemorate their Golden Jubilee, attended by some of the former recipients of the treatment provided by this NGO. My speech is online.
The title of this blog is taken from a recent book by Robert Waterhouse, sub-titled “Remarkable People, Extraordinary Times”.
It celebrates the first 50 years of Cheshire Services Ethiopia and looks forward to their future work.
Cheshire Services Ethiopia is a fine example of how expatriates and local people can work together to transform the services provided to part of society which has traditionally been neglected but which has much to offer.
In the year of the biggest and best Paralympics ever, the potential role of disabled people is taking on a whole new light. Cheshire Services Ethiopia is helping them to make a real difference in this country.