Report 2021

2020 was a year with Ups and Downs. Some of the 50 students, as well as their parents, were affected by Covid 19 and had to interrupt their participation in the programme. Tariku fortunately was vaccinated quite early and was able to continue with the programme. Hygiene measures were strictly observed. However, the visit of the restaurant and the supply of food was interrupted for some time. With the expansion of an adjacent road, fences and parts of the second tennis court were destroyed. Thanks to Tariku´s contacts with the local authorities, part of the affected areas was returned. And the second tennis court was restored by Tariku and  his students themselves. Finally, Tariku and his disciples feared that the warlike actions in the north of the country would spread to Addis Ababa, what in the end was not (yet) the case.

But there is also good news to report. After TDKET received several awards, Tariku had the opportunity to present his programme on regional and national TV. As a result, Tariku was able to acquire some new local sponsors. Cooperation has also started with the tennis association of Ethiopia. Some of Tariku´s kids were invited to represent the country at the African Junior Championships in Tunesia.

A total of 30 children now enjoy attending a private highschool. The school fees (about 21.000,- € annually) are paid by the foundation of Dr. Manfred Lautenschläger.

And last but not least, Yonas Gebre, a child of the first generation is back from the USA. He now lives in Nussloch (Germany) and works a manager and tennis teacher in the local Racket-Center. He visited 2 times Addi Ababa and is a good help for the connection between IC Germany and TDKET.

Alec Kurucz
IC Germany