June 21, 2015

 Haddis Girma Continuity Forum hosted its 4th Annual Conference on mental health awareness and 3rd Year Saturday School Graduation on June 21, 2015 at Kennedy Long Fellow School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The conference addressed "Culture Shock, Depression, and Suicidal Risk among Immigrant Communities." Professor Yvonne Ruiz was the keynote speaker on the event. The program has been directed by Dr. Telahun Gebrehiwot. Mr. Girma Asfaw made an opening statement. 

Dr. Yvonne who addressed the topic on mental health provided elaborate presentation on how immigrants go through a transformative cultural process living in two worlds. The one they left behind in their native land the new in the new homeland. She made a thorough analysis of how immigrants face challenges including depression and suicidal dangers. She also succinctly looked into what to do and how to seek help to withstand the challenge as a community. After Dr. Ruiz wind up her presentation the audience was divided into 2 workshops: Workshop One on Mental Health and Workshop Two on Preparing Children/Youth for Successful future Life. Both workshops were successfully ran. They both presented summary and conclusions to the plenary. Dr. Yvonne volunteered to facilitate parent/Family Support Group once a month on Saturdays at the program site. The workshop on preparing the youth for successful future life agreed to organize a Library Club where series of interactive presentations will be conducted on the teachings of Research Book on the topic. The club will help parents exchange experiences.      

The Saturday School Graduation ceremony had been very colorful. Kids were all in their Ethiopian cultural dress. Pre-K and 1st grade students presented beautiful cultural songs along with rhythmic body motion. Representatives of 2nd grade and advanced level kids read out statements in Amharic. Two of the students from the Advanced Level explained in Amharic what they learnt in class. They told their audience about the geographic location of Ethiopia, its natural geography including its major rivers and mountains and wild life. One of the students told the audience that she is proud of being from the land of Lucy, the origin of humanity. The students received huge applause from the public at each step.  

The Saturday School graduated 56 students. They were conferred medals and graduation certificates by Dr. Kim Fechtel, the Board of Director of HGCF. After graduation kids were invited to a film show and refreshment in a separate room. Over 100 parents, friends and families attended the event.