The PLAYING FOR LIFE trip to Ethiopia was different to our past visits where we did skills training/sharing projects. This one was to create a relationship between two different yet similar peoples and Nations. Our intention to introduce young Irish people to the everyday lives and living conditions of their Ethiopian counterparts worked very well. The ancient game of hurling intertwined with the equally ancient game of Karsa and brought the Irish GAA players and the young Ethiopian men together where, in common with all sports people, deep and very evident friendships were formed.

 The non-playing members of the group visited farms, potteries and playschools and lived with local families for a day doing the everyday work of the ordinary Ethiopian family in both urban and rural settings. The experience was eye opening for both sides and resulted in transforming the statistics everyone hears about when reading reports of famine or disasters in Africa, into real live people who share all the feelings and emotions of those of us fortunate enough to live in a more “developed” world.

 For the last three days of the trip, the group visited the world famous historical sites in Axum and Lalibela and learned of the history of a people who had a sophisticated society long before ours and once again discovered that the differences, if any, existing between the races of mankind are largely created through ignorance and lack of understanding. The groups visit to the largest outdoor museum in the world proved to be an outstanding success.

 The general feeling expressed upon our departure from Ethiopia was one of regret that we could not stay longer and of a desire to return some time in the future. The friendliness of the Ethiopian people and the unexpected signs of development taking place all over the country have helped change the perception of Ethiopia among our group from a place almost devoid of hope to that of a country full of potential for the future, if given the room and assistance to do so.

Seamus Hayes

PROJECT MANAGER

PS. We would very much like to thank Mantas J from Lake Region Medical, New Ross for the wonderful photographs some of which can be seen under projects, galleries and volunteering.