Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays globally. It is celebrated by billions of people regardless of whether they understand its true meaning. Christmas is also one of the biggest holidays in Ethiopia, celebrated especially by the Christians on the 7th January. It is celebrated in a similar manner to other places. Gifts are prepared for others. Individuals and organizations support needy people in the community to help them have a wonderful celebration with their families during the holiday.

 On receiving the materials, we created parcels that included books and stationery, and wrapped it with brightly coloured Christmas wrappers. We were able to create bundles to gift each of the 100 students in the DTS program. The gift preparations were completed three days before the celebrations. We also decorated the walls and the compound to make it festive. 

 We then visited the Merkato market together with Miss Sayuri to buy some materials for the celebration. We bought Christmas decorations, balloons, party masks, candies, chocolates, juices and packed water amongst other things. We were grateful that the contributions enabled us to comfortably purchase things for our celebration that would make it a special event for our community; things that many in our village would otherwise not have been able to afford to enjoy. We also ordered a huge cake and traditional home-made breads. 

 The long-awaited day finally arrived! Our celebrations began with singing the Ethiopian national anthem. Our students arrived early with their families. They wore traditional local clothing that looked beautiful and added to the festive atmosphere. Happiness and joy marked the faces of everyone who attended. Our students thoroughly enjoyed the food and gratefully received the gifts presented to them by Miss Sayuri. 

In conclusion, the DTS project reaches out to many in our community and is aimed at impacting our students, to guide and grow them positively in their formative years. Our work speaks clearly and deeply to the hearts of the local community, showing them that we care and that we are sincerely invested in their well being.

We are determined to do our part to improve the challenges students in this community face, especially academically and economically. I really want to thank all parties who provided gifts and cash for the Christmas celebrations for the past two years. I also want to encourage everyone to be a part of our project. We welcome your contributions of time, thoughts, prayers and gifts as you are able, for our needs are still great and many, and we value any opportunity to connect and reach out. We also invite you to experience our special African love and culture! 

May God bless you all!!!