Friends from Mekedonia Center Visit DP Art Exhibition

A group of dedicated High School students have been deepening bonds with residents at Mekedonia, an Ethiopian non-governmental, non-profit organization that supports the elderly and mentally disabled.

Through visits to their community on Wednesday afternoons, the students’ relationships with community members deepen. Through engaging in art activities in their art room, and playing cards outside, we are able to bridge the gap between our diverse life experiences, and share stories, laughs and interests as we enjoy our hobbies together. 

Morgan, one of our committed Project Mekedonia leaders, and an IBDP Art student extraordinaire, had the great idea of inviting some of our friends to ICS to enjoy the IBDP Art Exhibition. On Wednesday, we welcomed a group of Mekedonia residents to campus. We toured campus and enjoyed the cool breeze as we shared snacks. Our dedicated Grade 10 students (and Amharic speakers), Abimael, Aberra, Nathan D., Noah, and Adonis, translated artists’ statements, discussed some of the ideas behind the art work, and fielded questions. 

Upon leaving, our friends from Mekedonia were so grateful.

“It feels like we have spent the afternoon in the US,” Nigusse said, whilst Dawit, Tesfaye, and Mikiyas congratulated Morgan on the talent she displayed, alongside her peers, and showed much gratitude for the day. 

This was a simple, yet powerful afternoon of community engagement at its best, which left us all feeling so grateful for our time together. 

Special thanks also goes to Abimael and Aberra for liaising with Mikias and Ms. Siham to make this happen!