Making New Friends

  When I came to this YSEL camp, I was alone, I knew no one on the bus. I met a girl who is a camper herself in this camp.  We were talking and she introduced me to her friends who are all from Harar. After we got to the camp and ate lunch, we all started to get to know each other.  After one day we all became friends and got used to each other.  In my room there are five campers.  In total we are six.  We are the only room with six students in it and we are happy that there are many people to talk to.  The best thing I love about my room is that I have a new friend.  We don't know each other a lot but we have become very close right now.  We do most things together here at camp.  It's good to get used to a new person who is not form the same city as me.  I come form Addis Ababa and she comes from Harar.  We just become best friends in one week.  She is amazing.

Eskedar Tilahun, Addis Ababa

To my dearest roommate Sumeya,

  I feel like it's been years since I first saw you, even if it's only for a day that we spend apart.  I had many things going on at this camp away form you.  How I wished for us to be in one class at least once.  When I first came to this camp, my whole world turned upside down thinking I was going to meet the worst roommate ever, but as I got to know you, as we talked about our lives in our town, I felt like we had a lot in common, that was what I looked for.  Every time we get up from bed and go to the dining hall, I always feel sad thinking that we will go our separate ways again.  How I looked forward to sleeping time while I had to spend the day without you.  I had to get to know new people thinking that I would forget you.  Every time we were in home room, I felt like writing about you in my journal. 

  I am thankful to the YSEL program for selecting me and letitng me experience one of the best moments of my life.  Also for introducing me to a new best friend in my 17^th year of life.  I hope our friendship continues.

Lydia Wolday, Makele, Tigray

Reflections on Family Day

  Last Sunday was YSEL Family Day.  The family of the campers came to see what we did.  After the day came to an end, the campers were feeling down because their families left the camp. We didn't feel lonely because Mr. Tom was with us with all the teachers.  The counselors were standing beside us, so how can we feel sad when we have this family here.  We are family, aren't we?

Hana Wondemagegn, Dilla, SNNPR

  During Family Day I could see how our families were proud of us.  Even some parents asked if we could stay here longer.  When it was time for them to leave, we weren’t really sad because we have a new family here at YSEL camp.  New brothers and sisters!

Tiblets Seifu, Harar

Happy Family Day

  Sunday, August 17th was a special day at the YSEL camp--it was Family Day.  This day is an opportunity for family members of our YSEL students to come visit the camp and see all the wonderful activities and learning their children are doing.  This year we had over 75 family and friends visit us.  In the morning there was a heavy rainstorm but the rain stopped and by the time our guests arrived, it was a beautiful sunny day at the YSEL camp!
  YSEL students welcomed all guests and escorted them around the campus, showing them around the classrooms and activity areas.  Students were assigned different stations and provided families with detailed information about the different studies and activities they do at camp.  After touring the camp, guests were invited to lunch and a presentation organized and performed by the YSEL students.  Overall parents were so impressed by the changes and progress they saw in their children after two weeks. One happy father even asked if their daughter could stay longer than a month!  The YSEL staff worked hard to put on a great Family Day and it showed with the many happy faces and comments left in the guest book.  Below are just a few of the comments left by proud parents:

It's really just amazing! I am so glad that my daughter has got this opportunity.  You are very organized and caring.  Thank you so much and keep it!!  This is wonderful support for our kids and I hope you can reach more kids at this age for this program.  

I am very moved by what students are doing at this camp.  Very interesting.  They improved their English very well, creative writing and reading, sports and clubs.  I am touched by the way the student and instructors relationship is so cordial.  Even if the students are far away from their parents, they are all happy here. Despite cultural and religious differences, they all live together in peace.

On behalf of my family, I want to say thank you for giving my sister this opportunity to see what her potential is.  I know she own't be the same again after this camp.  I thank the American Embassy for organizing this program.

YSEL Alumni Burning Issues Public Service Announcement

  During both the YSEL Alumni Workshop and YSEL camp, students did a session called "Burning Issues."  Each student identified a burning issue or hot topic in their community.  Issues of concern included drug abuse, lack of education for girls, water shortage, and Facebook addiction.  After discussing the different burning issues in their communities, students worked in small groups to create a public service announcement (PSA). These PSAs will be shared among the YSEL groups for use in their communities.  After viewing the PSAs during the alumni workshop, "I'm Running Away" was voted the best one. As an award, we have posted it to the YSEL Ethopia blog. Please enjoy!

What's Going On in Art Club?

Week Two saw  a lot of activity in the Art Club.  Jennifer and Beza introduced paper mache to our students in a pinata making class.  Students got very creative by making all sorts of interesting animals and creatures from a balloon covered with paper mache.  The creations will be on display during Family Day this Sunday, and a few poor pinatas will be filled with candy and broken in the traditional way for our guests.

Students took a one-day break from paper mache to do tie-dying with Tom.  Each student got to make a tie-dye scarf.  Using the techniques of tying they learned, students created their own special scarfs and dyed them in a variety of colors.  Today is washing

day,
so we will see how these all came out. The joy of tie dye is that you never know what you'll get until you untie it.  Finished projects will be posted later this week.

YSEL Definitely Has Talent!

  Friday August 8^th was our first YSEL Got Talent night.  Every Friday night of any YSEL camp is a special night to come together and show each other the talents we have.  The YSEL Ethiopia 2014 group did not disappoint for sure!  There was enough talent this night to entertain thousands.  From singing and dancing to gymnastic and magic, the YSEL 2014 showed just how talented they are.  We look forward to another exciting show next Friday!

YSEL Poetry by Semawit Ephrem

WE

However far away we are,

We are together always

However different we are,

We are always together

Whenever we fight,

We are never apart

Whenever we cry alone,

We never feel alone

We are here together

to go on further

We are there together

to be bigger and better

We are all here together

to be number one

We are one in a million

We are the YSEL 2014 students!

Funny as Mr. Tom,

Terrific as Mr. Paul,

Courteous as Mr. Pete,

Pleasant as Mr. Birhan,

Exquisite as Mrs. Marre,

Pleasing as Mrs. Jennifer,

Musical as Mr. Forrest,

Advising as Mr. Endalk,

Admirable as the 2014 YSEL Students