By Yohannes Ayalew
Photos By Amber Taylor
The second annual Ethiopian Heritage Camp was held in Toronto in the Little Ethiopia neighborhood on Danforth.
Beautiful Minds Learning Center organized a full day of activities that helped teach children about Ethiopian traditions. The camp was attended by adoptive families with one or more children born in Ethiopia. This year, 19 children and their parents participated coming from Toronto area, and from as far away as Timmins, Ontario.
Chris, one of the parents says “ It is a unique opportunity for children to spend time with other kids whose families look like their own, and to engage with the inspiring young Ethiopian adults who facilitated the program.”
The program leaders engaged the children in traditional songs and dances, arts and crafts, and the preparation of dabo kolo.
Hirut Café served up delicious meals of traditional Ethiopian fare for the participants.
Organizers told ethiofidel. that in an effort to promote pride in, and knowledge of their Ethiopian heritage, adoptive parents often encourage their children to attend heritage camps, participate in Amharic lessons, spend time at local Ethiopian-operated establishments, and even make homeland trips to Ethiopia-
They explained that many adoptive families deeply value their connections to members of the Ethiopian community in Southern Ontario, and nurture connections with family and friends in Ethiopia.
