Operation Tikvah’s Director, Kokeb Gedamu

Growing up in the village of Motta, Ethiopia my life centered on my father and four siblings. My mother died when I was 5 years old. My father was a Levite/Ethiopian Christian Orthodox priest, so according to our tradition he never married again. When life got difficult at home he sent my siblings to live with other people, although I continued to live at home.

For as long as I can remember my father told me I was dedicated to God and His service. I grew up learning the holy books and studying in the ancient language of Geez. I wasn’t allowed to go to a modern school until I was 12 years old. Read more