Joseph

---

So we took Joseph and introduced him to Temesgen who is a Jimma University student. They talked about his options. Evidently Joseph wont be able to go to Jimma U because he doesn’t have his diploma. He completed grades 9, 10, and 11, but not 12. Grades 1-10 are their standard schooling, 11 and 12 are mandatory college prep years. So we were like ok, what can we do. We went to a school near the university that offered diplomas, but it turns out they only offer courses in Oromifan, and Joseph speaks Amharic. There is no GED equivalent in Ethiopia, we asked. Long story short he only has a couple of options: go to a technical school, repeat grades 9, 10, 11 and finish 12, or move to Addis and take diploma courses. He mentioned he wanted a short-cut which is kind of understandable. My companion was judging him a little harshly saying he has plenty of options. In my mind, not many 21 year old guys are mature enough to go back to high school, and moving to the capital is scary. He would have no job, no friends, no family, no place to stay. Joseph would have to save up his money, move there and hope to find employment, a place to stay and go to school. My companion considers these as legitimate options, but Joseph and I were pretty deflated though I didn’t show it. He keeps saying that he cant do anything and I agree with him, but would never say that. I was talking to him a lot and he was legitimately stoked that we set aside the day to help him. He was all like, “today is just about me huh? Thanks. Thanks for caring.”

We were supposed to go to his rap battle on Sunday but we never heard from him, which was very odd because he is always around. He came over on Monday evening, which was his birthday. Evidently Joseph somehow lost his phone and he was so dejected about losing it that he didn’t bother going. Regina and I told him we would look into getting him a new cell phone for his birthday, we didn’t know what to get him before. Joseph, Neddy and I did some shopping. I bought him his first Red Bull as a partial birthday present, he actually liked it. We took him out to dinner. I actually put him on some errands for us. We are visiting the Americans at their NGO near Bonga. They are so nice and gracious to us, so I bought a bottle of wine, and sent Joseph to get us some Tej (honey wine) and chat. He is stoked to do it. Before you ask mom, no we cant send him an iPod, I don’t think it would make it.

---

Comments

[bubie]

i guess i have to ask your dad, what is red bull. thanks for all the notes. it makes me feel a part of your experience.

[ethiopiadave]

red bull is an energy drink...i'll bring one by when i get home so you can taste it.