Goodbye Ethiopia

Friday 10th October...(cont)

The Fistula Hospital is set in beautiful grounds. Mark Bennet, the CEO, gave me a tour of the hospital alongside Chris Lawrence from Facing Africa. The hospital is now treating over 1,400 women a year and could do more if they were not limited for bed space. We discussed their fundraising abroad and he acknowledged the problem of having such independent bodies that don't co-ordinate their fundraising efforts. Mark also explained a slight shift in focus for their patients in Desta Menda so they can deliver more tangible benefits to the patients.

My next meeting was at Addis Ababa University. The University is situated in an amazing building - it used to be the Emperor's palace! I was shown around their museum then had a talk with a group of PHD students about their course and extra funding requirements. They could really do with some reading materials and permanent lecturers. They are also keen to present their papers at international conferences. They were a really bright group of highly motivated and ambitious students and it would be great to help them achieve more by giving them the extra funding they require.

My last appointment of a very busy day was with Lilla from Cheshire Services. We went to the lobby bar at The Hilton and discovered that we both had a lot in common, both having spent time in Accra, Ghana. After a drink with Lilla it was time to pack my bags and prepare for my departure back to London. I had time for a quick swim under the stars before saying goodbye to Addis and making my way back home. It has been the most fascinating trip and one I will never forget.