The Second-Generation Ethiopians homecoming program harnesses connection and contribution to the country’s progressive development, residents of Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, who attended the Second-Generation Ethiopians welcoming ceremony held at Friendship Park in Addis Ababa said.

In a vibrant display of unity and cultural exchange, Friendship Park in Addis Ababa hosted a grand official welcoming ceremony on Thursday for second-generation Ethiopians returning home under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s invitation.

Organized by the Addis Ababa City Administration in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ethiopian Diaspora Service, the ceremony resonated with themes of reconnecting to roots and contributing to the nation’s ongoing progress.

Among the crowd was Muhamed Askar Ibrahim, who traveled from Hargessa, Somaliland, to witness the homecoming, emphasized its significance in facilitating reconnection and contribution.

“The people who come back…can increase, e
ducate and assist their economy and to upgrade its economy,” he said, highlighting the potential for shared knowledge and support from abroad.

Most of the diaspora live in developed countries and can contribute to the overall development of the country, he noted.

Mustefa Ali Ese, also from Somaliland and a former Ethiopian university student, stated that the homecoming events are worth visiting and important to foster connections and networks.

“Ethiopia is a good country, diplomatically the city of Africa the people are good,” he enthused, pointing to the nation’s infrastructure, industrial development, and vibrant diplomatic role.

He further commended the ceremony as a platform for connection and engagement of the diaspora with their country of origin.

“It is good they prepared the ceremony to introduce more people like you and me.”

This homecoming initiative, spanning three stages from December 2023 to September 2024, aims to strengthen ties between the diaspora and their ancestral land.

The first ph
ase, themed “Connect to Your Culture,” has seen the influx of diaspora embracing the heritages and witnessing Ethiopia’s recent strides.

The ceremony at Friendship Park served as a vibrant symbol of this reconnection.

The event underscored the potential for the diaspora to become not just visitors, but active participants in the nation’s development journey.

The premier’s invitation to the diaspora stems from a desire to bridge the gap between Ethiopian communities abroad and their homeland.

Recognizing the potential for knowledge and skills transfer, and cultural exchange, this initiative seeks to harness the diaspora’s contributions for the benefit of Ethiopia’s ongoing development.

With the homecoming program still in its early stages, the ceremony at Friendship Park offers a glimpse into the potential of this ambitious endeavor.

As more second-generation Ethiopians return, the nation stands to benefit from their diverse perspectives and talents, fostering a stronger and more connected future.

Sou
rce: Ethiopian News Agency