1. Main Author: Mesfin Tadesse
Mesfin is an Ethiopian construction and civil engineer; nicknamed Solution Bringer, he directs water uphill. Descended from proud patriots, he is related to Emperor Haile Selassie I and warrior Belay Zelek. He will defend your rights in Ge’ez, Hebrew, Amharic, Arabic and English.
After graduating from Building College in Addis Ababa, he was conscripted. Ranked lieutenant with Airborne, he visited 121 countries as Air Marshall or anti-hijacker. He then won a UNDP scholarship to study water development in Cairo. He constructed UNHCR water supplies in Kenya, the birthday-cake stadium in Wellington, New Zealand earthquake zone, and Sydney 2000 Olympic stadium.
Mesfin built in 20 countries, respecting locals. In Fiji he refused to clear iTaukei makuti to make way for an airport. Volunteering as a bushfire fighter in Victoria, Australia, he saved wallabies. In Western Australia, he is a registered master builder. He is inspired by Abyssinian Engineer Queen Saba (Sheba).
Lucy’s People is his first book.
Next: Under the Pump: Water for Refugees
2. Co-author ianet Bastyan
Sixth-generation Australian ianet fell in love with Ethiopia 10 minutes after arriving there in 2016. The granddaughter of soldier-farmers appreciated people’s honesty and resilience. A trained dancer, ianet identified steps that had crossed the Mediterranean, contributing to European stage dance. One complete dance from Northern Shewa was replicated in Spain with castanets, its source unacknowledged.
She had lived in Papua New Guinea where her father taught agriculture. Aussies called local adults 'boys', and segregated children. Parents were furious when all kids—local and ex-pat—rode to school in the tray of the same utility truck, tumbling over each other in delight. ianet became a teacher and librarian, preferring settings with a fair go for all cultures.
Back in Ethiopia in 2020, she and Mesfin attended school assemblies and a workshop at three secondary campuses. One had been a prince’s residence. Ethiopia’s writing system Fidal is now her second script.
Ethiopia is now under attack. It helps her people if you support registered Ethiopian charities that are local rather than NGOs.
