Saint Patrick’s Day on 17 March is the national day both ofNorthern Ireland (part of the UK) and the Republic of Ireland. It is celebrated by Irish communities (and their friends) all around the world. The day also has religious significance for many Christians, as it commemorates the death of the Irish Patron Saint Patrick (c. AD 385–461).
Every year, the Irish Embassy in Addis organises a Charity Ball to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day – one of the events of the year. This year we have a real treat, with the Northern Ireland-based folk outfit The Dandy Horses coming over to Ethiopia, to perform at this event and at other Ethiopian music venues.(Plus, hopefully, Guinness – courtesy of UK’s Diageo.)
Many Ethiopians are of course most familiar with Irish rock musician, Sir Bob Geldof. Sir Bob will undoubtedly continue to live in the minds of many Ethiopians through his Live Aid/Band Aid initiative, which successfully raised awarenessof the hidden famine of 1984 and 1985, together with many subsequent development projects.
Northern Irish NGOs are actively supporting Ethiopia’s aspiration for economic development and to end poverty. Two which are particularly well-known are Hope and a Future(which is working in the Shashemene area to improve thelives of thousands of children) and Habitat Northern Ireland(which has supported marginalised families affected by leprosy). It has sent over 3,500 volunteers to Ethiopia in the past 11 years as part of this programme.
Finally, I should say that Northern Ireland is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the UK. Like Ethiopia, it is a placethat has gone through difficult times in recent decades, but is now very much on the up. Come and see for yourself:http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/