"We are human beings," Gebrehmedin Gebreselassie says. "We are Ethiopian citizens. We are a family."

It is a powerful message from the general manager and founder of the Charity Association for All Ethiopian Persons with Disabilities (CAEPD).

Gebrehmedin, known as Gigi to his friends, is passionate about improving the lives of disabled people in the country.

Despite a childhood accident which left him unable to walk without the use of crutches, he is an inspirational example of what can be achieved.

As a lawyer, accountant and keen race walker, Gigi is leading a full and active life. Now he is determined to help others fulfill their potential.

Earlier this year, the 39-year-old was part of the team which established CAEPD, an organization which aims to provide "financial, technical and material support" for those with disabilities.

"Anyone can have an accident or be born with a disability by nature," said Gigi. "Let's say there is a car accident or a girl or boy has polio.

"Our project is six months old. Still it is a young association but the people work hard. Our association includes children, youths and elderly men and ladies. Anyone with a disability can join us."

It is a sad reality that too many disabled people in Ethiopia receive little or no help.

"There are many poor people with disabilities," Gigi says.

"Some are walking by their knees. There are no crutches. No wheelchairs.

"We support them. First we give them awareness. Then we give them a wheelchair and they can go to church, they can go to school, they can go to training centers.

"Some disabled people are walking with only one stick. First we call them and take them to a physiotherapy center. Then we give them two crutches.

They can go anywhere and they can participate in sports for people with crutches or wheelchairs.

"Visually impaired people, if they want to learn, we can send them to a blind school or training center.

"We can give them training in handicrafts, making table cloths, ceramics, carpets, weaving. Before they come to us they are begging. They are very poor people. After they graduate, they can make a profit."

Such skills can often be the difference between life and death.

Due to the amount of homeless people and the perceived stigma attached to living with a disability, it is difficult for statisticians to record exact figures, however, a Wakane study in 2011 estimated 5 million people – 7.6 percent of the population - had some form of disability.

In 2000, the Wa'el International Business and Development Consultant reported the most common forms were leg problems and visual impairments.

CAEPD is an umbrella organisation, helping those with all types of disability and forging links with other charities which provide for specific disabilities.

All people supported by the association are given photo ID cards.

As well as holding their own fundraising events, the committee work with foreign charities which give financial donations and equipment.

The association's profile has been raised by establishing good relationships with the many foreign embassies in Addis Ababa.

Former Ethiopian president, GirmaWoldegiorgis, is among its well-known supporters while the committee and board members include a doctor, student, trader, scientist and professor.

Gigi believes there is still much to do for all disabled people to be able to lead full lives. Attitudes must change among the general public and those designing Ethiopia's fast-emerging infrastructure.

"My family are not disabled but they are eating with me and socialising with me because they are socially responsible," he said.

"How can we join disabled and non-disabled people? First we can give them awareness.

"Secondly, we can make buildings accessible. Hospitals, roads, schools, health centers, bars. We can provide ramps, lifts, toilets. Any public place should be accessible.

"Our government is developing buildings, roads and hospitals but if it is not inclusive for disabled people, that is not development.

"Our proclamation is that any socially responsible place must be accessible."

Gigi's own disability stems from when he was a toddler and an impact injury went undetected.

"I was born in the Tigray Region," he said. "The traditional bed there is very high and I fell and broke my hip. At that time, nobody knew. Because I was a kid, simply I was crying. When I wanted to start walking, my mother saw (the injury) and took me to a health center."

Later he had an operation which left him with one leg much shorter than the other. It has not stopped him enjoying sports activities.

As a member of Addis Ababa Hash Hound Harriers, every week he joins friends to walk difficult trails through mountainous terrain.

And he is a regular competitor in the Great Ethiopian Run where his exploits have been recognized by meetings with renowned athletes such as GebregziabherGebremariam and TiruneshDibaba.

On one occasion at the Great Run, Gigi completed the 10km course on crutches in 90 minutes, earning the respect of then French ambassador StephaneGompertz who gave him a substantial donation which he put towards a mobility scooter.

Nowadays, through the association, Gigi is driven towards helping others overcome their difficulties.

Deaf people have been given hearing aids; the visually impaired have received canes and taken lessons in reading Braille.

Children with mobility problems can have their transport costs paid when they need to receive vital physiotherapy.

The association, with support from foreign charities, also aims to provide computers which are suitable for use by the visually impaired.

And many disabled people are given counseling and emotional support to come to terms with their difficulties.

In its brief history, there are numerous ways the CAEPD has helped. With more financial support and a greater public voice, there is so much more it wants to achieve.

Like Gigi's efforts in the Great Ethiopian Run, the charity is making great strides.

 

By Mark Jenkin The End    ----