Covid-19 has affected almost every country around the globe.
With the reality of the pandemic closing boarders around the world and the catastrophic affects it would have on those relying on tourism, I started the Generosity Project Africa as a way for us all to help.
Tribes, who once lived beautifully off the land, have come to rely on tourism as a source of income. Many tribes have chosen to stay living on their tribal lands, keeping their cultures strong, and adapting to this new world by choosing to invite us to experience their fascinating world.
Addis city boarders have been closed for 5 months and there has been no travel allowed to the Omo Valley. However, on August 21 the team left with two huge trucks carrying 20,000 kg of food, special hands-free washing stations, sanitizer, soap, and was going to be giving Covid training and awareness.
The team sends news of their visit with the Hamar tribe
Please watch the entire short clip of the Hamar men from the Arbore village unload the truck. I have been visiting this area and village for more than a decade. You will notice on the left, just beyond the family compound there are electric poles that are were not there when I took the photograph above. Theoretically, they could get electricity, but they choose not to complicate their lives. They now have small solar chargers for their phones and torches (flashlights). Watch till the end and see the beautiful children watching from up on the hill.
Just a short video of the women gathered to divide up the food distribution among the many families living in the village. Des also shares the experience!!
The Hamar women are not only striking, wearing beautiful colorful beaded skins, ornate necklaces, and metal bangles around their wrists and ankles, but they are strong! Famous for their hairstyle — a crown of long dread-lock braids covered in ocher– the Hamer women are the most decorated of the Omo people.
The Hamer are one of the only tribes I know where the first wife is recognized by the symbol of a unique necklace; it sits above the two metal rings. In the portraits below, the women on the left is married, but the women on the right is married and is the first wife.
These next two small video clips are PRICELESS!! In this first one a hamar man is helping the little girl learn how to wash her hands.
In this short video clip, the children are lined up for the hand washing. For them, this is an exciting new contraption (toy), but perhaps for the first child – not so much – as you watch his final expression!!
What I have witnessed, over and over, in the hamar village is how loving the warriors are to the small children
You helped put a lot of smiles on children’s faces today!!
It was another very long day for the team as the visited several Hamar villages and their day began at 5:00 AM!
When coming to the Omo Valley most hope to experience the bull jumping of the Hamar, which is a right of passage for the men. During this three day ceremony the men sing and dance, which is beautiful beyond words.
The celebration party is extraordinary as the men roast several goats as a big feast for the guest.
At the end of the teams long day, the hamar wanted to roast them a goat in thanks and celebration.
THE TEAM SENDS A THANK YOU for your generosity!!! These are my favorite video’s to receive and share. This team has been going non-stop for a week!!! All the prep in Addis, the two-day drive down, and many km’s everyday going from village to village in a hot harsh environment.! This work is immensely gratifying, but most exhausting!
We want to give a huge thanks to our partners in Turmi who sponsored the whole team with meals and accommodations.
I want to personally thank my incredible partners for all their hard work, logistics, sponsorship of transportation and more.
