Visit to Mekedonia Grows Student-led Service Partnership

Story by Teacher Rebecca Gillman and Grade 9-11 students

On Grade 12 student Nathan B.'s last day of high school classes, he left the celebratory assembly and hopped on a bus that would take a handful of his peers on a long journey across town.

The bus was not destined for a graduation ceremony or a party. Instead, Nathan was leading members of his student service club on a visit to the Mekedonia Centre, a community of around 7,500 people, most of whom were highly vulnerable and experiencing homelessness when found by volunteer workers over the 10 years the center has been running. The center provides safety, services, and community to the residents, and the high school service club Nathan founded has spent its two years of partnership helping raise money and awareness for the cause.

During the visit, students and their group leaders were guided around the sprawling “Little Ethiopia," as Makias, the volunteer guide, fondly referred to his home. They met residents in dormitories, the carpentry workshop, art therapy room, clinic, biogas-equipped kitchen, courtyards, and in many more corners of this welcoming neighborhood. Interacting directly with these Addis based residents, students built connections and learned about community, collective responsibility, rehabilitation, and the various support services that this organization offers.

“The trip to Mekedonia was something that helped our group understand the reality of many disadvantaged people among us, along with what help they’re getting to improve their lives and re-integrate into society," ICS student Girumkal said.

For other students, the trip was beyond informational and eye-opening. It was inspiring. Now that the student club's founder is graduating, the club will evolve under a new generation of Grade 9s to 11s who will take over its leadership and find new, more direct ways to provide support.

“Our visit to Mekedonia gave me a lot of insights about how the center works and all of the amazing services they provide to their patients and residents," Grade 11 student Morgan said. "It inspired me to start a CAS project dedicated to this partnership."

Stay tuned for more news about the student clubs supporting Mekedonia!