During the last field trip to Ethiopia, LUCIA officer Ron Gardiner visited one of the women's self help groups. Here he writes about his experience:

"From the busy streets of a bustling capital we ventured in to the quiet outskirts of Addis. Our vehicle bumped along unmetalled roads until coming to rest alongside one of the women’s self help group homes. With anticipation we tumbled out of the well-used 4x4 and into the Ethiopian sunshine, where we were greeted by a member of the group and ushered into her home.

Entering the house we were invited to sit on chairs lined against the wattle and daub walls and in turn our Siiqqee field officer introduced us to the gathered women’s group, probably 16 in number. The home had no windows, only a little light coming from the open door. A corrugated tin roof, speckled with holes, let in pinpricks of sunshine that fell on a dirt floor, half covered with well-worn linoleum. A dresser with some crockery and a few pieces of glassware rested against the facing wall, looking quite out of place, and the only other furniture was a small low table. The sleeping area was hidden by a blanket. From here a lady appeared with a large bowl of white and cream coloured popcorn and a large circular new baked loaf of some 3” thickness. This was placed on the table as another member near the door roasted coffee beans on a charcoal burner. Very casually she rolled and tossed the beans to perfection, then with the hard wood pestle and mortar she ground the fresh beans to grains.

While the beans were being prepared she had placed the ceramic coffee pot on to the burner. This in a short while began to boil and then, forming a funnel with her hand, she poured the grains from the mortar into the pot. A small raffia lid was then placed on the spout and the infusion was allowed to take place. Every few minutes a little was poured into a cup to test for aroma and colour, then returned to the pot until eventually the coffee was ready.

Coffee, bread and popcorn were offered to all. The handless coffee cups were charged with sugar, this being the Ethiopian custom, and passed to the guests. While taking our refreshment quiet exchanges were taking place. The group of ladies, with dignity, composure, and their fine features masking their true age, had an air of quiet confidence. LUCIA’s team quietly listened; we’re always aware that we do not wish to be seen as affluent Westerners with a morbid curiosity, and a fine balance has to be made between learning of their situation and not being intrusive.

This year the meeting with the ladies was somewhat different. There seemed to be a feeling of optimism and a positive response - no longer a quiet murmur but a definite reaction. They could look us in the eye and, with the aid of the interpreter, could make enquiries of the LUCIA team. It was good to hear. Things are changing in Ethiopia and the fact that the women are working together, not being isolated and are assisting one another will no doubt encourage confidence.

These ladies, whose days are a constant battle to feed, wash, clothe and keep a home for their family, always amaze us. Ethiopia’s terrain, climate and lack of what us in the West take for granted, make living there a very tough proposition.

Upon leaving a self help group it’s always been LUCIA’s way to give a small donation and this has been done under many guises. It was decided that this time a male member of our team should join the women’s self help group with the view that the donation would be in the form of membership. And so it was decided that I should become that member and, with some reservation on my part, the proposition was put to the ladies. Immediately there was uproar and laughter - I had been accepted! Their treasurer, upon on receiving my fee, stuck the money to her forehead and faced the team, as is the Ethiopian custom when selling or bartering. It was a very uplifting end to our visit, which came all too soon.

And so with some sadness we filed out into the sunshine. Our best wishes go with them; that they continue moving forward and their lives keep improving. Hopefully we can return and meet again. Their hospitality, warmth and generosity leave a lasting impression on us, for people who have  very little can give so very much".