In a bustling city where unfortunate things unfold at every hour of every minute, a monthly gathering emerges as a haven of unity, hope and consolation. "Buna Tetu," a phrase that translates to "Come, Drink Coffee," holds within its simplicity a profound message of togetherness. On the first Sunday of every month, a strongly enticing program is held within the vicinity of Sele Enat Charitable Organization, inviting people from every corner of Addis Ababa to partake in an unforgettable experience.
As we step into the hall where the program is organized, we unveil an experience that transcends cultural boundaries, witness the fruits of virtuous labour, and kindles a spark of hope in the hearts of all who attend. This article is a journey stretching from the heart of the program to the core of the organization, and back again, inviting each reader to be a part of a community of volunteers so as to leave an untraceable mark of humanity.
Sele Enat official logo. Source: Sele Enat Mahber
“Buna Tetu” program
In the heart of Addis Ababa, a program known as "Buna Tetu" has been quietly uniting souls from all walks of life. The first Sunday of each month marks a rendezvous where individuals from various backgrounds come together under the roof of the Sele Enat Charitable Organization. Here, they break bread, share stories, and most importantly, enjoy a cup of coffee – a tradition that transcends cultures and serves as a symbol of unity in Ethiopia.
Buna Tetu is more than just an event; it's a celebration as well as a remembrance of humanity. Volunteers from every corner of the city converge to this gathering, bringing with them their unique experiences, and share their life lessons. Among the attendees are psychologists, athletes, artists, students, businessmen, and even icons such as athlete Haile Gebrselassie, artist Biruk Yeshitila, and musician Gash Abera Mola.
The organization's children get fundraising campaign from Go Fund Me. Source: Go Fund Me
The event consists in an exquisite range of activities, from theatre performances and dance routines to poetry readings and art auctions that benefit the Sele Enat Charitable Organization. These activities are witnesses to the power of art and culture in fostering humanistic ends. Among the most inspiring sights are the life testimonies shared by orphans who grew up under the loving care of the organization. Their stories are a living testament to the transformative impact of compassion and love.
Sele Enat Charitable Organization: Origin, Services and Goal
At the heart of Buna Tetu's ethos is the Sele Enat Charitable Organization, founded in 2002 during a time when the devastating wave of HIV was taking countless mothers away from their children. The name "Sele Enat," translating to "for mothers," encapsulates the organization's mission to stand in as a nurturing presence for these motherless children. The organization's multifaceted approach includes sponsorship programs, reintegration efforts, foster care, family empowerment, and institutional care. It is a holistic effort to provide not just immediate relief, but also long-term solutions for vulnerable and injured children and their families.
Part of the Christmas celebration activities. Source: The organization's Facebook page
Sele Enat Charitable Organization's work extends beyond shelter and sustenance. It is among the leading non-governmental organizations that offers essential HIV/AIDS prevention and control programs, along with social and psychological support. Events like Water Day and African Day are more than just celebrations held at the organization; they are opportunities for healing, growth, and the forging of lasting memories.
Currently providing a home for more than 30 children, 23 of whom required special attention at the time of the interview, the organization's mission is as vital as ever. Buna Tetu, the monthly gathering that bridges communities, serves as a gateway for change in the mind-set of the society. Its ultimate goal is to turn attendees into advocates, encouraging them to bring new faces to the next event. This act of sharing is a reflection of the ethos of Sele Enat Charitable Organization itself – a ripple effect of kindness and compassion that touches lives far beyond its walls.
Wet clothes of infants hanging on a thread just outside the playing room. Source: Sele Enat Mahber
A Call to All
As the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the laughter and friendship at Buna Tetu, the reason for hosting the program becomes evident in the process of resonating the organization's aspirations. A call to action reverberates through the air, inviting readers to step into this transformative journey. To become part of Sele Enat Charitable Organization's noble mission, to join hands with those who are rewriting the narratives of vulnerable children, and to experience the magic of Buna Tetu first-hand. It's an invitation to sip not just coffee, but the warmth of shared humanity.
So, as the call goes out, remember: "Nu, Buna Tetu – Come, Drink Coffee, and Change Lives."
