Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Hello, my name is Happy
So one funny story. Yesterday, I was talking with my co-workers at the EBA and Ato Brahan (the finance officer and my Amharic teacher) was telling me about the meanings of everyone's names in the office. He asked what my name meant and I told him that Prasanna means happiness or bliss in Sanskrit. Ever since then, he has decided to call me Happy instead of Prasanna. "Happy, it is time for lunch." "Happy, what are you working on?" I think it just might stick. Stay tuned....
"Discussion" Taxis - Not So Much
This morning, I took a discussion taxi to the UN. This is not a regular taxi. This is not a private car. This is not a mini-bus. This, my friends, is a discussion taxi. There is a word for the discussion taxi in Amharic, but I do not know it off the top of my head. I will ask my Amharic teacher tomorrow.
The discussion taxi is essentially a pick up truck with a make shift roof over the back. There are two benches on either side of the long part of the back and the make shift roof has windows on the side looking out and a door at the back. You pile on this truck and sit on your bench even more crammed in than the mini-bus. The discussion taxi apparently got its name because people are facing each other, so this makes it a more social atmosphere, conducive to visiting and chatting. Not so much. In my excitement of sitting in my first discussion taxi, I went out of my head and asked everyone if I could take a picture of us sitting on the discussion taxi. Naïve firenje (meaning foreigner in Amharic), they must have thought. Instantly everyone shielded their faces and said no photo, no photo, no photo! They must have thought I was crazy or some kind of reporter. Talk about embarrassing.. I told you, wherever I go, embarrassing anecdotes are bound to follow!
Also with the discussion taxi, you have to push past everyone to get off when it is your spot and you cannot scream Woraj to the driver because he is sitting in the cab which is below the back of the truck/discussion taxi where the passengers are sitting. He would not be able to hear you. There are metal bars that run along the top of the roof in the back and you have to tap on them with your metal keys (I learnt this tidbit from observation) and it makes a loud ping ping ping noise. This then informs the driver to pull over and stop.
I think I accidently stepped on at least three sets of toes on my way off the mini-bus! So Sorry! Eeps. I will keep you posted on my ride home tonight.
The discussion taxi is essentially a pick up truck with a make shift roof over the back. There are two benches on either side of the long part of the back and the make shift roof has windows on the side looking out and a door at the back. You pile on this truck and sit on your bench even more crammed in than the mini-bus. The discussion taxi apparently got its name because people are facing each other, so this makes it a more social atmosphere, conducive to visiting and chatting. Not so much. In my excitement of sitting in my first discussion taxi, I went out of my head and asked everyone if I could take a picture of us sitting on the discussion taxi. Naïve firenje (meaning foreigner in Amharic), they must have thought. Instantly everyone shielded their faces and said no photo, no photo, no photo! They must have thought I was crazy or some kind of reporter. Talk about embarrassing.. I told you, wherever I go, embarrassing anecdotes are bound to follow!
Also with the discussion taxi, you have to push past everyone to get off when it is your spot and you cannot scream Woraj to the driver because he is sitting in the cab which is below the back of the truck/discussion taxi where the passengers are sitting. He would not be able to hear you. There are metal bars that run along the top of the roof in the back and you have to tap on them with your metal keys (I learnt this tidbit from observation) and it makes a loud ping ping ping noise. This then informs the driver to pull over and stop.
I think I accidently stepped on at least three sets of toes on my way off the mini-bus! So Sorry! Eeps. I will keep you posted on my ride home tonight.
Making Friends
I have to say, I am really amazed at how easy it is to meet people here. Like I said, the fabulous Susan hosted a party last weekend and invited many people. This was a great chance to meet a number of expats working in Addis.
Two days ago, I received an email from another CIDA person named Jessa and she put us contact with another CIDA person Felicia. In any event, we all went out for dinner last night at Sangam (the East Indian restaurant I was telling you about last week). It was a great chance to meet them and learn about their work. The wonderful Taribba also joined us. Taribba is a CIDA person from two years ago and is actually now working as a full-time employee with CIDA in Addis. She has a wonderful sense of humour and she is very good at answering all of our questions and making us feel welcome! Thanks Taribba!
At dinner last night, I was thinking how easy it has been to meet a myriad of people here and how welcoming these people have been. Making friends is different for everyone, but I find that in Ethiopia, where so many of us Canadians are so far from home, there is this instant bond created by virtue of the fact that we share a common address (O! Canada!), but also that we have endured the initial separation anxiety that comes with moving so far away from home. We have all endured the search for housing and the elusive SIM card (though I have to say, they seemed to have an easier time of it than I did).
It is like this beautiful cycle (unlike the vicious cycles that are so often talked about) where everyone includes everyone. Information is pooled, experiences are shared, and bonds are created. It is like intrinsically everyone knows that creating this support network is so essential and so valued. It is an unspoken knowledge, something that percolates below the surface, and manifests itself in the innumerable random acts of kindness. I arrived three weeks ago and was welcomed by a community of international expats that had been here much longer. Three weeks later and I am meeting people that just arrived and so the beautiful cycle continues…..
Thank you to my new friends for the wonderful memories so far! I look forward to getting to know you all and exploring Ethiopia!
Two days ago, I received an email from another CIDA person named Jessa and she put us contact with another CIDA person Felicia. In any event, we all went out for dinner last night at Sangam (the East Indian restaurant I was telling you about last week). It was a great chance to meet them and learn about their work. The wonderful Taribba also joined us. Taribba is a CIDA person from two years ago and is actually now working as a full-time employee with CIDA in Addis. She has a wonderful sense of humour and she is very good at answering all of our questions and making us feel welcome! Thanks Taribba!
At dinner last night, I was thinking how easy it has been to meet a myriad of people here and how welcoming these people have been. Making friends is different for everyone, but I find that in Ethiopia, where so many of us Canadians are so far from home, there is this instant bond created by virtue of the fact that we share a common address (O! Canada!), but also that we have endured the initial separation anxiety that comes with moving so far away from home. We have all endured the search for housing and the elusive SIM card (though I have to say, they seemed to have an easier time of it than I did).
It is like this beautiful cycle (unlike the vicious cycles that are so often talked about) where everyone includes everyone. Information is pooled, experiences are shared, and bonds are created. It is like intrinsically everyone knows that creating this support network is so essential and so valued. It is an unspoken knowledge, something that percolates below the surface, and manifests itself in the innumerable random acts of kindness. I arrived three weeks ago and was welcomed by a community of international expats that had been here much longer. Three weeks later and I am meeting people that just arrived and so the beautiful cycle continues…..
Thank you to my new friends for the wonderful memories so far! I look forward to getting to know you all and exploring Ethiopia!
What do I do?
Well, according to the work plan I developed with my boss Ato Derbew, in consultation with the instructions from CIDA and our Program Director, Al Cook, I will be working in the following areas and in the following capacities:
1) Fundraiser. In this capacity, I would be preparing project proposals and looking for funding from external donors to support these proposals and the work of the EBA more generally;
2) Researcher and Legal Analyst. In this capacity, I would be mainly conducting research on the legal and regulatory framework of Bar Associations and Law Societies in other countries and legal systems. After an analysis of the different ways in which such organizations and legal/regulatory frameworks are structured, I would work with the EBA to determine the best structure for their organization; and
3) Advisor. In this capacity, I would serve as an advisor to the Executive Director (Derbew Temesgen), mostly in the areas of Strategic Planning. Sustainability, Regulatory Frameworks, New Initiatives, Workshop Organization and other activities.
Specific Subject Areas Addressed by the Organization Overall:
Access to Justice Project: Legal Aid Framework: Developing Policies and Procedures, Legal Aid Networking
Self-Regulating Profession
Women Lawyers Initiative: Female Practitioner Recruitment
Community Legal Education
1) Fundraiser. In this capacity, I would be preparing project proposals and looking for funding from external donors to support these proposals and the work of the EBA more generally;
2) Researcher and Legal Analyst. In this capacity, I would be mainly conducting research on the legal and regulatory framework of Bar Associations and Law Societies in other countries and legal systems. After an analysis of the different ways in which such organizations and legal/regulatory frameworks are structured, I would work with the EBA to determine the best structure for their organization; and
3) Advisor. In this capacity, I would serve as an advisor to the Executive Director (Derbew Temesgen), mostly in the areas of Strategic Planning. Sustainability, Regulatory Frameworks, New Initiatives, Workshop Organization and other activities.
Specific Subject Areas Addressed by the Organization Overall:
Access to Justice Project: Legal Aid Framework: Developing Policies and Procedures, Legal Aid Networking
Self-Regulating Profession
Women Lawyers Initiative: Female Practitioner Recruitment
Community Legal Education
Where am I working?
So this blog has been largely populated by anecdotes of my experiences in Ethiopia OUTSIDE of the office. I have shared some information about my lovely co-workers and a vague outline of what I will be doing, but I promised to tell you more. And I am a man of my word (for the most part anyways J)
So, this post is devoted entirely to the work of the Ethiopian Bar Association and the work I will be doing here. It also discusses some of the challenges that the EBA is currently facing. Thanks to Ato Derbew for giving me permission to talk about the work of the EBA in this forum.
This post might be quite long (let’s keep it real – this is me - it WILL be quite long). While the EBA is a small organization/NGO in terms of its Secretariat/office administration, its Executive Council and Secretariat have created programs under the EBA umbrella that would rival some major players in the NGO world. They have taken a sophisticated, sensitive approach to their work and I am in awe of this group each and every single day that I sit in this office. I am in awe of the fact that they manage to accomplish so much in the face of so many complexities, constraints and challenges. I know it has only been two weeks, but I wish to say thank you to Ato Derbew and the staff of the EBA for welcoming me into your office and into your world, for introducing me to your work, for inviting my contributions, and for making me feel at completely and totally at home. Amezikinnanoe.
Profile of the EBA (Sources of Information: Ethiopian Bar Association (Pamphlet) and Ethiopian Bar Association (EBA) – Development and Key Issues or Challenges Discussion Paper)
non-profit, non-partisan professional association of attorneys in Ethiopia
AIM:
promote the interests of its members and the development of the legal profession
upholds the rule of law
Upholding the independence of the judiciary
Advocating for good governance and human rights
Maintaining the Dignity and Independence of the legal profession and legal professionals
Ensuring, updating and upgrading the legal skills of practicing lawyers
Provision of free legal aid service/pro bono legal aid to the under-privileged members of society – those who are in need
Increasing awareness of the public on law and legal rights
Generally assisting in the administration of justice
History
Originally organized under the name “Advocates’ Welfare Association” in 1965 – mainly dealing with the social purposes of its members
Organization evolved into the Advocates’ Association in 1966 and was registered with the then Ministry of the Interior – thereby serving a semi-professional purpose
Renamed the Ethiopian Bar Association in 1967 (or is it mid 1980s)
EBA is a founding member of the Pan-African Lawyers’ Union (PALU) whose headquarters are in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Recent Developments
Until last year, when the new, current EBA statute was adopted, membership was restricted to practicing lawyers licensed with the Ministry of Justice or the Regional Justice Bureaus
The current constitution of the EBA stipulates that any person practicing law, whether such a person is licensed or not could be a member
This broader definition encompasses legal professionals such as public prosecutors and legal advisors of different governmental and private organizations that practice law
Current Strata of Membership includes 2 categories:
1) Full Members
2) Associate Members without voting rights. This category of membership is opened to any legal professionals such as judges, law school lecturers and law students.
The total number of EBA members varies from time to time – however there is a steady growth in membership
As such, the EBA now has more than 500 members, out of the estimated 900 federal courts attorneys registered with the Minister of Justice
Membership is voluntary
EBA Objectives
Promote the efficient administration of justice
Work for human rights and he rule of law
Propose amendments and new laws
Contribute to the development of jurisprudence in Ethiopia
Develop basic education and execute ethical rules of lawyer
Provide free legal aid to the needy
Promote cordial/civil relationships between legal professionals
Be non-partisan in politics/political issues
EBA Values
Effective and Ethical Lawyering
Rule of Law
Democracy
Good Governance
Protection of Human Rights
Overall Goals
Promote the interests of its members
Strive for a legal reform to bring about an effective administration of justice in Ethiopia
Work for the Protection of Human Rights
Assist the process of building a democratic society where rule of law prevails
Strengthen relations with similar international and regional associations
Immediate Objectives
Promote the participation of members and activate and animate the various organs of the EBA
Provide legal assistance to needy communities/those who are in need/marginalized or disadvantaged groups
Perform sustained activities to create public awareness about the Association, law and human rights
Make the necessary preparations for the construction of the future offices of the EBA
NOTE: the EBA has already partnered with the Action Professional Association for People (APAP) and Action Aid Ethiopia in providing free legal clinics/legal services for those in need
Major Programs and Initiatives of the EBA
1) Program 1: Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
CLE is designed to upgrade legal knowledge and skills of lawyers with a view to training members
CLE is also designed to acquaint members with new laws, legislation, legal issues etc.
CLE is built on the foundation that the law and by extension the practice of law is a dynamic, evolving endeavour which requires the constant, dynamic development of the skills and knowledge of legal practitioners
EBA is organizing various seminars and presentations on various issues of import to its membership (i.e. various topics in different areas of the law)
The CLE Program is carried out in cooperation/collaboration with the CBA
Courses are offered based on a needs assessment of members – these courses are offered not only to members of the Bar but to judges, prosecutors, academics, in-house counsel, parliamentarians and police officers
The EBA also participates in programs run and conducted by other governmental and non-governmental organizations – therefore, the EBA (when called to do so) presents papers and presentations on different legal issues in workshops and seminars organized by these groups.
2) Program 2: Law Reform and Advocacy
This program is aimed at proposing amendments to existing laws or new laws/legal frameworks in order to contribute to a) the development of laws and b) to the efficient administration of justice in Ethiopia
Public Education Component to this program involves the creation of an overall awareness in the general public on issues relating to human rights and law through the development of various publications
EBA is also organizing various workshops on constitutional topics for lawyers, judges and parliamentarians to get them acquainted with the Ethiopian Constitution
EBA has been involved in deliberations surrounding various draft bills/proposed pieces of legislation/revisions to legislation (i.e. the new criminal code, evidence law, procedure law, and anti-corruption law):
The Civil Procedure Code, the Criminal Code, the Commercial Code, The Family Code, the Anti-Corruption Proclamation, the Labor Law, The Trade Practice Law, and the Election Law
EBA is a standing member of the committee for judicial reform under the Court Administration Reform Program (CARP)
Publications: Temugach – a bimonthly newsletter aimed at communicating the EBA’s views on certain issues/laws and to communicate about the EBA’s activities
Ethiopian Bar Review – a bi-yearly journal – supported by Initiative Africa (SIDA/IA) – scholarly publications from judges, academics, lawyers, more in-depth pieces, contains selected court decisions and well researched articles on different chosen topics by the Editorial Board. (Editor: Johannes)
3) Program 3: Legal Aid Services
Given the high rate of poverty in Ethiopia – provision of legal aid service to the economically and socially underprivileged is a high priority
Make justice systems accessible to all is the motto of this program at the EBA
The EBA, in cooperation with Action Professional Association for People (APAP) and Action Aid Ethiopia is providing free legal service through its two centers
It also provides legal service for disabled people through this partnership and its work with Handicap International
Through its two legal aid centers, the EBA, in partnership with APAP and Action Aid Ethiopia, has assisted in the provision of free legal service to close to 1,000 people
These services include oral and written advice and appearing in court to defend the interests of those concerned (as and when necessary)
Partners and Funding Providers
Members
Initiative Africa (SIDA/IA)
Action Aid Ethiopia
APAP
Canadian Bar Association
Handicap International (HI)
The EBA is a member of the following groups:
International Bar Association
Pan-African Lawyers Union (PALU) (Founding Member)
Organizational Structure of the EBA
The EBA is governed and managed by the following bodies:
1) The General Assembly;
2) The Executive Committee;
3) Controllers;
4) The Secretariat;
5) Standing Committees; and
6) External Auditors.
General Assembly
Highest organ of the EBA
Meets once per year
Power to approve and modify the strategic plan, annual plan, and budget of the Bar
Elects officers of the Bar
Appoints external auditors
Decides on membership contributions
Gives General Advice on Policy Issues
Executive Committee
Under the General Assembly
Composed of 12 members: president, vice-president, the secretary general, the finance officer and eight executive members
Duties of the EC include preparing the strategic plan, action plan and budget of the Bar, administering the property of the Bar, appointing members to the different standing committees, appointing ad hoc committees as and when required and supervising the work of the different committees
(EBA statute says the EC should meet once/month – right now it is meeting once per week)
Controllers
Duty of management and financial auditing of the activities of the Bar
Empowered to monitor implementation of the approved plans of the EBA
Monitor the different organs of the EBA to ensure they are properly discharging their duties
Monitor the custody and use of the property of the Bar and to monitor the proper utilization of funds allocated to EBA activities
Secretariat
Executive Director of the EBA heads the Secretariat
The ED runs the day to day operations/activities of the EBA, assures that the financial administration of the Bar complies with a set of accounting principles, prepares work programs and implements these programs when approved, supervises the staff of the Bar, takes and keeps minutes of the Executive Committee and generally follows up the implementation of the plans and programs of the Bar
Standing Committees
The EBA Constitution establishes the following standing committees:
1) Legal and Human Rights Committee;
2) Continuing Legal Education Committee;
3) Public and International Committee;
4) Legal Aid Committee;
5) Members Affairs and Discipline Committee; and
6) Publications Committee.
A member of the EC heads each committee. Each Committee is supposed to have between 7 and 9 members and the duties / responsibilities of each committee are articulated in the EBA Constitution/Statute.
So, this post is devoted entirely to the work of the Ethiopian Bar Association and the work I will be doing here. It also discusses some of the challenges that the EBA is currently facing. Thanks to Ato Derbew for giving me permission to talk about the work of the EBA in this forum.
This post might be quite long (let’s keep it real – this is me - it WILL be quite long). While the EBA is a small organization/NGO in terms of its Secretariat/office administration, its Executive Council and Secretariat have created programs under the EBA umbrella that would rival some major players in the NGO world. They have taken a sophisticated, sensitive approach to their work and I am in awe of this group each and every single day that I sit in this office. I am in awe of the fact that they manage to accomplish so much in the face of so many complexities, constraints and challenges. I know it has only been two weeks, but I wish to say thank you to Ato Derbew and the staff of the EBA for welcoming me into your office and into your world, for introducing me to your work, for inviting my contributions, and for making me feel at completely and totally at home. Amezikinnanoe.
Profile of the EBA (Sources of Information: Ethiopian Bar Association (Pamphlet) and Ethiopian Bar Association (EBA) – Development and Key Issues or Challenges Discussion Paper)
non-profit, non-partisan professional association of attorneys in Ethiopia
AIM:
promote the interests of its members and the development of the legal profession
upholds the rule of law
Upholding the independence of the judiciary
Advocating for good governance and human rights
Maintaining the Dignity and Independence of the legal profession and legal professionals
Ensuring, updating and upgrading the legal skills of practicing lawyers
Provision of free legal aid service/pro bono legal aid to the under-privileged members of society – those who are in need
Increasing awareness of the public on law and legal rights
Generally assisting in the administration of justice
History
Originally organized under the name “Advocates’ Welfare Association” in 1965 – mainly dealing with the social purposes of its members
Organization evolved into the Advocates’ Association in 1966 and was registered with the then Ministry of the Interior – thereby serving a semi-professional purpose
Renamed the Ethiopian Bar Association in 1967 (or is it mid 1980s)
EBA is a founding member of the Pan-African Lawyers’ Union (PALU) whose headquarters are in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Recent Developments
Until last year, when the new, current EBA statute was adopted, membership was restricted to practicing lawyers licensed with the Ministry of Justice or the Regional Justice Bureaus
The current constitution of the EBA stipulates that any person practicing law, whether such a person is licensed or not could be a member
This broader definition encompasses legal professionals such as public prosecutors and legal advisors of different governmental and private organizations that practice law
Current Strata of Membership includes 2 categories:
1) Full Members
2) Associate Members without voting rights. This category of membership is opened to any legal professionals such as judges, law school lecturers and law students.
The total number of EBA members varies from time to time – however there is a steady growth in membership
As such, the EBA now has more than 500 members, out of the estimated 900 federal courts attorneys registered with the Minister of Justice
Membership is voluntary
EBA Objectives
Promote the efficient administration of justice
Work for human rights and he rule of law
Propose amendments and new laws
Contribute to the development of jurisprudence in Ethiopia
Develop basic education and execute ethical rules of lawyer
Provide free legal aid to the needy
Promote cordial/civil relationships between legal professionals
Be non-partisan in politics/political issues
EBA Values
Effective and Ethical Lawyering
Rule of Law
Democracy
Good Governance
Protection of Human Rights
Overall Goals
Promote the interests of its members
Strive for a legal reform to bring about an effective administration of justice in Ethiopia
Work for the Protection of Human Rights
Assist the process of building a democratic society where rule of law prevails
Strengthen relations with similar international and regional associations
Immediate Objectives
Promote the participation of members and activate and animate the various organs of the EBA
Provide legal assistance to needy communities/those who are in need/marginalized or disadvantaged groups
Perform sustained activities to create public awareness about the Association, law and human rights
Make the necessary preparations for the construction of the future offices of the EBA
NOTE: the EBA has already partnered with the Action Professional Association for People (APAP) and Action Aid Ethiopia in providing free legal clinics/legal services for those in need
Major Programs and Initiatives of the EBA
1) Program 1: Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
CLE is designed to upgrade legal knowledge and skills of lawyers with a view to training members
CLE is also designed to acquaint members with new laws, legislation, legal issues etc.
CLE is built on the foundation that the law and by extension the practice of law is a dynamic, evolving endeavour which requires the constant, dynamic development of the skills and knowledge of legal practitioners
EBA is organizing various seminars and presentations on various issues of import to its membership (i.e. various topics in different areas of the law)
The CLE Program is carried out in cooperation/collaboration with the CBA
Courses are offered based on a needs assessment of members – these courses are offered not only to members of the Bar but to judges, prosecutors, academics, in-house counsel, parliamentarians and police officers
The EBA also participates in programs run and conducted by other governmental and non-governmental organizations – therefore, the EBA (when called to do so) presents papers and presentations on different legal issues in workshops and seminars organized by these groups.
2) Program 2: Law Reform and Advocacy
This program is aimed at proposing amendments to existing laws or new laws/legal frameworks in order to contribute to a) the development of laws and b) to the efficient administration of justice in Ethiopia
Public Education Component to this program involves the creation of an overall awareness in the general public on issues relating to human rights and law through the development of various publications
EBA is also organizing various workshops on constitutional topics for lawyers, judges and parliamentarians to get them acquainted with the Ethiopian Constitution
EBA has been involved in deliberations surrounding various draft bills/proposed pieces of legislation/revisions to legislation (i.e. the new criminal code, evidence law, procedure law, and anti-corruption law):
The Civil Procedure Code, the Criminal Code, the Commercial Code, The Family Code, the Anti-Corruption Proclamation, the Labor Law, The Trade Practice Law, and the Election Law
EBA is a standing member of the committee for judicial reform under the Court Administration Reform Program (CARP)
Publications: Temugach – a bimonthly newsletter aimed at communicating the EBA’s views on certain issues/laws and to communicate about the EBA’s activities
Ethiopian Bar Review – a bi-yearly journal – supported by Initiative Africa (SIDA/IA) – scholarly publications from judges, academics, lawyers, more in-depth pieces, contains selected court decisions and well researched articles on different chosen topics by the Editorial Board. (Editor: Johannes)
3) Program 3: Legal Aid Services
Given the high rate of poverty in Ethiopia – provision of legal aid service to the economically and socially underprivileged is a high priority
Make justice systems accessible to all is the motto of this program at the EBA
The EBA, in cooperation with Action Professional Association for People (APAP) and Action Aid Ethiopia is providing free legal service through its two centers
It also provides legal service for disabled people through this partnership and its work with Handicap International
Through its two legal aid centers, the EBA, in partnership with APAP and Action Aid Ethiopia, has assisted in the provision of free legal service to close to 1,000 people
These services include oral and written advice and appearing in court to defend the interests of those concerned (as and when necessary)
Partners and Funding Providers
Members
Initiative Africa (SIDA/IA)
Action Aid Ethiopia
APAP
Canadian Bar Association
Handicap International (HI)
The EBA is a member of the following groups:
International Bar Association
Pan-African Lawyers Union (PALU) (Founding Member)
Organizational Structure of the EBA
The EBA is governed and managed by the following bodies:
1) The General Assembly;
2) The Executive Committee;
3) Controllers;
4) The Secretariat;
5) Standing Committees; and
6) External Auditors.
General Assembly
Highest organ of the EBA
Meets once per year
Power to approve and modify the strategic plan, annual plan, and budget of the Bar
Elects officers of the Bar
Appoints external auditors
Decides on membership contributions
Gives General Advice on Policy Issues
Executive Committee
Under the General Assembly
Composed of 12 members: president, vice-president, the secretary general, the finance officer and eight executive members
Duties of the EC include preparing the strategic plan, action plan and budget of the Bar, administering the property of the Bar, appointing members to the different standing committees, appointing ad hoc committees as and when required and supervising the work of the different committees
(EBA statute says the EC should meet once/month – right now it is meeting once per week)
Controllers
Duty of management and financial auditing of the activities of the Bar
Empowered to monitor implementation of the approved plans of the EBA
Monitor the different organs of the EBA to ensure they are properly discharging their duties
Monitor the custody and use of the property of the Bar and to monitor the proper utilization of funds allocated to EBA activities
Secretariat
Executive Director of the EBA heads the Secretariat
The ED runs the day to day operations/activities of the EBA, assures that the financial administration of the Bar complies with a set of accounting principles, prepares work programs and implements these programs when approved, supervises the staff of the Bar, takes and keeps minutes of the Executive Committee and generally follows up the implementation of the plans and programs of the Bar
Standing Committees
The EBA Constitution establishes the following standing committees:
1) Legal and Human Rights Committee;
2) Continuing Legal Education Committee;
3) Public and International Committee;
4) Legal Aid Committee;
5) Members Affairs and Discipline Committee; and
6) Publications Committee.
A member of the EC heads each committee. Each Committee is supposed to have between 7 and 9 members and the duties / responsibilities of each committee are articulated in the EBA Constitution/Statute.
Amharic lessons
I learnt a few new words today
Ruz – Rice
Ishi – Alright
Baka – Enough
Oh and here is the list that he gave me last week for those of you who are learning Amharic along with me:
Na (male) Ney (female) – Come on
Hid (male), - Go, go out
Bila Misahin - Eat Your Lunch
Tekemet - Sit Down
Tenesa - Stand Up
Chebitegn - Shake my hand
Nege iyihalehu - I will see you tomorrow
Sew Sew New - Man is Man (NOTE: I am not sure how to use this phrase or even what it means)
Ketil (male), Berta (female) - Go On
Itina, Inibbe - Study (Read it)
Adimit – Listen (Hear it)
Gobez - Brave
Wedetimihiribet - Go to School
Enat - Mother
Abat - Father
Wendim - Brother
Ehit - Sister
Astemary (Memhir) - Teacher
Temary - Student
Migib - Food
Metei Drink
Endet Aderu (male) - Good Morning
Simih Manew - What is your name?
Ayat – Grandparent
Nigus - King
Wiha - Water
Lesi Lasa - Pepsi-Cola
Buna - Coffee
Shay - Tea
Arekie - Alcohol (Gin)
Thanks to you all for reading and your emails! It is always wonderful to hear from you and makes this “blogging” experience all the more enjoyable and rewarding for me. If you have some time to spare, I would love to hear what’s new with you in whatever part of the world each of you currently calls home right now! Being so far away makes you feel disconnected at times – so any scoop, BIG or small, is greatly appreciated.
Take care and talk to you soon.
Ruz – Rice
Ishi – Alright
Baka – Enough
Oh and here is the list that he gave me last week for those of you who are learning Amharic along with me:
Na (male) Ney (female) – Come on
Hid (male), - Go, go out
Bila Misahin - Eat Your Lunch
Tekemet - Sit Down
Tenesa - Stand Up
Chebitegn - Shake my hand
Nege iyihalehu - I will see you tomorrow
Sew Sew New - Man is Man (NOTE: I am not sure how to use this phrase or even what it means)
Ketil (male), Berta (female) - Go On
Itina, Inibbe - Study (Read it)
Adimit – Listen (Hear it)
Gobez - Brave
Wedetimihiribet - Go to School
Enat - Mother
Abat - Father
Wendim - Brother
Ehit - Sister
Astemary (Memhir) - Teacher
Temary - Student
Migib - Food
Metei Drink
Endet Aderu (male) - Good Morning
Simih Manew - What is your name?
Ayat – Grandparent
Nigus - King
Wiha - Water
Lesi Lasa - Pepsi-Cola
Buna - Coffee
Shay - Tea
Arekie - Alcohol (Gin)
Thanks to you all for reading and your emails! It is always wonderful to hear from you and makes this “blogging” experience all the more enjoyable and rewarding for me. If you have some time to spare, I would love to hear what’s new with you in whatever part of the world each of you currently calls home right now! Being so far away makes you feel disconnected at times – so any scoop, BIG or small, is greatly appreciated.
Take care and talk to you soon.
Office buddies
In my last position with the law firm of MLT in Saskatoon, we had a number of social events and activities that I miss dearly. We often had lunch 2 times a week at the local diner named Caesars where you could get an entire meal if you planned correctly for under $5. We also had the MMC [Midnight Movie Club] where a group of associates would attend midnight movies every Friday at the local second-run movie theatre. I would also have lunch with the awesome assistants, where we would eat our lunch and chat while watching episodes of classic TV such as 10 Years Younger and the-Other-Show-Whose-Name-I-Shall-Not-Mention. The people at the firm were great and I miss you all dearly. I hope you are all doing well!
Since I arrived in Addis and have started working for the EBA, I have gone out for lunch with some of my colleagues and eaten lunch in the lunch room with my co-workers. They are also a wonderful group of people who I look forward to getting to know better. Today, I got the scoop on local Ethiopian cuisine, how to prepare certain dishes, and where to get certain spices. Ato Birkenmeskal, one my co-workers, looks at me eating my peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with my fruit and granola bars in the lunch room. He is convinced that I have some type of eating disorder. He made me try some of his lunch today which was a yummy type of spiced rice. He asked if I had tried injera and I told him that I had and I was given the low down on all of the different types of foods I should try as a vegetarian in Ethiopia.
Since I arrived in Addis and have started working for the EBA, I have gone out for lunch with some of my colleagues and eaten lunch in the lunch room with my co-workers. They are also a wonderful group of people who I look forward to getting to know better. Today, I got the scoop on local Ethiopian cuisine, how to prepare certain dishes, and where to get certain spices. Ato Birkenmeskal, one my co-workers, looks at me eating my peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with my fruit and granola bars in the lunch room. He is convinced that I have some type of eating disorder. He made me try some of his lunch today which was a yummy type of spiced rice. He asked if I had tried injera and I told him that I had and I was given the low down on all of the different types of foods I should try as a vegetarian in Ethiopia.
Krishna Jayanthi
On Sunday was the Hindu celebration of Krishna Jayanthi or Lord Krishna’s birthday. This day had me thinking a lot about my family. Every year, my mom prepares several snacks and sweets to offer in prayer and also draws the image of Lord Krishna’s feet leading into the house. I also was thinking a lot about my grandparents today. Krishna Jayanthi was my grandfather’s favourite celebration, as he was particularly fond of Lord Krishna, and my grandmother makes sure to make the prayer and festivities extra special even today 20 years after his passing. I missed my family today for sure and had a chance to speak with my grandmother in India for the first time since I have been in Ethiopia. It was wonderful to talk to her and get the full scoop on my family in India.
Today, in observing this special occasion in my faith, I was reminded of the importance of religion in Ethiopia. Almost instantly upon arrival here, I have been asked repeatedly about my religious beliefs. In our CIDA pre-departure training, I was told repeatedly not to discuss religion or bring up the topic, as it could be a contentious issue depending on the people with whom I was speaking. However, they did indicate that I would likely face this question. I have been as candid as possible, but the answer for me is not so simple as a one word response. For me, faith has been an interesting, important, and core part of my life. Our family is Hindu and in addition, my parents and I have been following Sai Baba, a spiritual teacher in India who stresses the universality of all religions and the unified message of love, truth, peace, right action and non-violence that all religions promote. I also went to Catholic school as a child, so the Christian traditions have become a part of my life as well, especially during Christmas and Easter celebrations. However, my beliefs and opinions and world views transcend categorization and do not so neatly fall within one particular bracket. I guess that is what makes me different. In one sense, transcending categorization is what makes us all unique.
In Ethiopia, the orthodox faith is prominent though there is also a strong Muslim community and examples of other faith groups and religious practice. Living close to the largest church in Africa, Bole Madanyala (an Ethiopian Orthodox church), I am often reminded of the importance of faith. At the end of September, Ethiopia will observe the celebration of Meskal, a huge religious and cultural celebration that is prominent in the collective consciousness of the Ethiopian populace. Apparently, the celebrations are quite magnificent and my boss has indicated that he will have me over to his home to observe how Ethiopian families celebrate this important occasion. After a bit more research and observing the festival up close, I will write more about the origins of this festival and its specific traditions.
Today, in observing this special occasion in my faith, I was reminded of the importance of religion in Ethiopia. Almost instantly upon arrival here, I have been asked repeatedly about my religious beliefs. In our CIDA pre-departure training, I was told repeatedly not to discuss religion or bring up the topic, as it could be a contentious issue depending on the people with whom I was speaking. However, they did indicate that I would likely face this question. I have been as candid as possible, but the answer for me is not so simple as a one word response. For me, faith has been an interesting, important, and core part of my life. Our family is Hindu and in addition, my parents and I have been following Sai Baba, a spiritual teacher in India who stresses the universality of all religions and the unified message of love, truth, peace, right action and non-violence that all religions promote. I also went to Catholic school as a child, so the Christian traditions have become a part of my life as well, especially during Christmas and Easter celebrations. However, my beliefs and opinions and world views transcend categorization and do not so neatly fall within one particular bracket. I guess that is what makes me different. In one sense, transcending categorization is what makes us all unique.
In Ethiopia, the orthodox faith is prominent though there is also a strong Muslim community and examples of other faith groups and religious practice. Living close to the largest church in Africa, Bole Madanyala (an Ethiopian Orthodox church), I am often reminded of the importance of faith. At the end of September, Ethiopia will observe the celebration of Meskal, a huge religious and cultural celebration that is prominent in the collective consciousness of the Ethiopian populace. Apparently, the celebrations are quite magnificent and my boss has indicated that he will have me over to his home to observe how Ethiopian families celebrate this important occasion. After a bit more research and observing the festival up close, I will write more about the origins of this festival and its specific traditions.
What's on the telly?
When we got home, we tried to find something to watch on TV. While we have satellite, of the hundreds of channels we receive, only about 10-12 are English and most of them are news. We will have our CNN fix though during the US election which should be quite interesting!
We ended up watching 5 minutes of an Amharic soap opera which are like Spanish telenovelas, Tamil and Hindi TV serials/soaps, or according to my roommate Mary, Greek soaps. Much like the Tamil and Hindi TV soaps, there was lots of melodrama, over-the-top crying, shouting and much large gesturing. There was no loud or dramatic music or slow motion scenes which are a staple in Tamil and Hindi TV soaps. In terms of makeup and fashion, everything felt very Michael Jackson era circa thriller – think big hair, big makeup, big shoulder pads - it felt like those clips of Spanish telenovelas you see sometimes on Ugly Betty (I think Betty’s father Ignacio watches them religiously on the show). As my Amharic improves, I might try tuning in again…..likely not….but you never know. I always used to hear from my French professor at the University of Saskatchewan that the fastest way to learn a language or perfect your pronunciation is to watch television in that language. So, who knows?
Finally, we ended up watching the last part of a movie from the 90s starring Cher and Ryan O’Neal (I even forget the name now). Like I said – slim pickings on the TV front, which really is good for me – it means more time for me to get caught up on some reading. I don’t know if I mentioned this in a previous post, but my office has such a wide collection of fiction – there is some Jane Austen, Shakespeare, Toni Morrison, some Chinua Achebe and whole collection of Agatha Christie. This also gives me more of a chance to explore some classes after work. I hear there is a Yoga class close to my house and I really want to do some volunteering. I will keep you posted on my search for extracurricular activities!
We ended up watching 5 minutes of an Amharic soap opera which are like Spanish telenovelas, Tamil and Hindi TV serials/soaps, or according to my roommate Mary, Greek soaps. Much like the Tamil and Hindi TV soaps, there was lots of melodrama, over-the-top crying, shouting and much large gesturing. There was no loud or dramatic music or slow motion scenes which are a staple in Tamil and Hindi TV soaps. In terms of makeup and fashion, everything felt very Michael Jackson era circa thriller – think big hair, big makeup, big shoulder pads - it felt like those clips of Spanish telenovelas you see sometimes on Ugly Betty (I think Betty’s father Ignacio watches them religiously on the show). As my Amharic improves, I might try tuning in again…..likely not….but you never know. I always used to hear from my French professor at the University of Saskatchewan that the fastest way to learn a language or perfect your pronunciation is to watch television in that language. So, who knows?
Finally, we ended up watching the last part of a movie from the 90s starring Cher and Ryan O’Neal (I even forget the name now). Like I said – slim pickings on the TV front, which really is good for me – it means more time for me to get caught up on some reading. I don’t know if I mentioned this in a previous post, but my office has such a wide collection of fiction – there is some Jane Austen, Shakespeare, Toni Morrison, some Chinua Achebe and whole collection of Agatha Christie. This also gives me more of a chance to explore some classes after work. I hear there is a Yoga class close to my house and I really want to do some volunteering. I will keep you posted on my search for extracurricular activities!
SPAtacular!
So on Sunday, Mary and I went to the Boston Day Spa in Addis to get massages. The Boston Day Spa is apparently one of the premiere day spas in all of Addis and caters to a wide expat community. I had a Swedish massage and this is only about the 3rd massage I have had in my life. It cost about 125 birr ($14 Cdn) for a one hour massage and the atmosphere was beautiful. It was a nice treat and a good way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Vacay
So, this party got me to thinking about where I wanted to take my two-week vacation. As you may or may not know, as part of our work placements with the CIDA and the CBA, we are given 2 weeks of vacation. I am trying to decide where to go. Initially, we were all thinking a trip to Zanzibar, an island in Tanzania with beaches etc. would be fun. We recently discovered however that a flight to Zanzibar alone would cost over $1000. There is also this thought of going to Egypt. I have always wanted to go on a camel ride and visit the Pyramids. Our good friend Sehen said she might come along too – so that would be awesome!
The final plan, subject to CBA and CIDA approval, is to take my whole period of vacation at the end and spend a month in India. This would be a great way to visit my grandmother and spend her 92nd birthday with her. I may just try to do two weeks in India after my job is finished and use my two weeks of vacation to explore Africa. So many ideas – I will let you know what I decide.
The final plan, subject to CBA and CIDA approval, is to take my whole period of vacation at the end and spend a month in India. This would be a great way to visit my grandmother and spend her 92nd birthday with her. I may just try to do two weeks in India after my job is finished and use my two weeks of vacation to explore Africa. So many ideas – I will let you know what I decide.
Weekend Fun
Work has been progressing at a steady pace and I am getting a better feel for the work of the Ethiopian Bar Association and the office. The next post will talk about the organization and the work I am doing here.
Unlike Canada, I was dreading the weekend here. In Canada, there is sense of excitement for the impending weekend – a time to get away from work, to relax, to meet friends and just have a bit of down time. However, ever since I got here, down time tends to make me think of home and as such, I like to keep busy. Work has been good in that regard. At least when I am at the office, I am thinking about my projects and rarely have a chance to miss home. I have also enjoyed my time here so much more since Mary arrived, in that I don’t feel so alone. It has been great to explore Addis with Mary! I am glad I have a roommate and I am looking forward to Eric’s arrival too. It is nice coming home and not being by yourself and having someone kind and fun to hang out with!
On Saturday, Mary and I went in search of wireless internet. We were told that many coffee shops around our house had internet access and that we could take our laptops, buy a tea or coffee and check email and surf the web all day! We were looking forward to connecting to people from home. What we did not anticipate (and we should have given our history here so far) was that the internet would be so slow that it would not even connect. We finally found an internet café, playing non-stop Celine Dion music no less, that was a bit faster and did what we could from there.
On one of our walks to find an Internet café, I received a call from our friend Susan Wong, the fellow Canadian we met last weekend for coffee. Susan invited us to her home that evening for a party to meet a whole host of other Canadians working in Addis with various NGOs, the Canadian Embassy, and with private Ethiopian companies and firms. There were also a wonderful group of German, Australian, and European expats.
Let me just say that Susan’s house is stunning. She shares her place with a German architect working in Addis and it has a fireplace, a garden, beautiful furniture and art and it really feels like home. It was so fun to hang out, eat tons of amazing food and catch up with a group of people that are also calling Addis home at the moment. Thanks Susan for hosting such a fun party and for having us over! I also saw some pictures of Susan’s trip to Mauritius last year! What a beautiful place! My best friend Shankari and her hubby Ounesh are having a wedding reception out there this December. I am so tempted to go it is not even funny, but time off and finances will be the deciding factor. [PS – on the topic of my awesome, architect friend Shankari – she asked me to clarify for everyone that I am actually a Regina boy and not a Saskatoon boy as my blog erroneously indicates. I did grow up in Regina and it was home for most of my life and she is probably right. However, Saskatoon has been home most recently. When the internet cooperates, I will make the change to a Regina/Saskatoon boy or even better a Saskatchewan boy]
Unlike Canada, I was dreading the weekend here. In Canada, there is sense of excitement for the impending weekend – a time to get away from work, to relax, to meet friends and just have a bit of down time. However, ever since I got here, down time tends to make me think of home and as such, I like to keep busy. Work has been good in that regard. At least when I am at the office, I am thinking about my projects and rarely have a chance to miss home. I have also enjoyed my time here so much more since Mary arrived, in that I don’t feel so alone. It has been great to explore Addis with Mary! I am glad I have a roommate and I am looking forward to Eric’s arrival too. It is nice coming home and not being by yourself and having someone kind and fun to hang out with!
On Saturday, Mary and I went in search of wireless internet. We were told that many coffee shops around our house had internet access and that we could take our laptops, buy a tea or coffee and check email and surf the web all day! We were looking forward to connecting to people from home. What we did not anticipate (and we should have given our history here so far) was that the internet would be so slow that it would not even connect. We finally found an internet café, playing non-stop Celine Dion music no less, that was a bit faster and did what we could from there.
On one of our walks to find an Internet café, I received a call from our friend Susan Wong, the fellow Canadian we met last weekend for coffee. Susan invited us to her home that evening for a party to meet a whole host of other Canadians working in Addis with various NGOs, the Canadian Embassy, and with private Ethiopian companies and firms. There were also a wonderful group of German, Australian, and European expats.
Let me just say that Susan’s house is stunning. She shares her place with a German architect working in Addis and it has a fireplace, a garden, beautiful furniture and art and it really feels like home. It was so fun to hang out, eat tons of amazing food and catch up with a group of people that are also calling Addis home at the moment. Thanks Susan for hosting such a fun party and for having us over! I also saw some pictures of Susan’s trip to Mauritius last year! What a beautiful place! My best friend Shankari and her hubby Ounesh are having a wedding reception out there this December. I am so tempted to go it is not even funny, but time off and finances will be the deciding factor. [PS – on the topic of my awesome, architect friend Shankari – she asked me to clarify for everyone that I am actually a Regina boy and not a Saskatoon boy as my blog erroneously indicates. I did grow up in Regina and it was home for most of my life and she is probably right. However, Saskatoon has been home most recently. When the internet cooperates, I will make the change to a Regina/Saskatoon boy or even better a Saskatchewan boy]
There was once a dog named Cujo...
So we have been in our new house since Wednesday and have been slowly settling into a routine. There have been a few kinks to work out with respect to unwanted visitors (i.e. Mrs. Ant and her brood and Mr. C.O. Ckroach and his cousins) and intermittent water (i.e. no water in the mornings) and then flooding (the leak in the ceiling in Mary's room which sadly flooded her bed). For the most part it has been nice to finally call a place home. :)
Oh and by the way, did I mention we have a dog? I mean we don’t have a dog. The owners of the house have a dog. I have never seen this dog nor do I know its name, but based on the way it bangs against its kennel, barks and growls, it can only be named Cujo. Really, no other name seems appropriate. Cujo is the name of a frightening, vicious dog featured in a Steven King novel by the same name. This dog might have also been in a series of American horror movies.
Our landlord told us that Cujo is in his kennel during the day, but is released at night once everyone is home to patrol the grounds. Awesome. Cujo loose at night. For those of you who don’t know, I am absolutely petrified of dogs. Petrified. In another piece of evidence that Mary, Eric and I were meant to be roommates, apparently, they are somewhat afraid of dogs too. Listen. I love dogs on posters, on coffee mugs and from a distance. I believe all animals should be treated with love and respect and kindness. Dogs just freak.me.out. No doubt there will be some interesting Cujo stories in coming blog entries. Stay tuned…..
Oh and by the way, did I mention we have a dog? I mean we don’t have a dog. The owners of the house have a dog. I have never seen this dog nor do I know its name, but based on the way it bangs against its kennel, barks and growls, it can only be named Cujo. Really, no other name seems appropriate. Cujo is the name of a frightening, vicious dog featured in a Steven King novel by the same name. This dog might have also been in a series of American horror movies.
Our landlord told us that Cujo is in his kennel during the day, but is released at night once everyone is home to patrol the grounds. Awesome. Cujo loose at night. For those of you who don’t know, I am absolutely petrified of dogs. Petrified. In another piece of evidence that Mary, Eric and I were meant to be roommates, apparently, they are somewhat afraid of dogs too. Listen. I love dogs on posters, on coffee mugs and from a distance. I believe all animals should be treated with love and respect and kindness. Dogs just freak.me.out. No doubt there will be some interesting Cujo stories in coming blog entries. Stay tuned…..
Craving
I am craving a Reese Peanut Butter Cup blizzard from Dairy Queen like there is no tomorrow. Have one this week and think of me! Real milk chocolate and peanut butter. Together. Mmm....
Call me!
The elusive cell phone – I got a SIM CARD
So I got a SIM card at a fair price after much drama. MUCH DRAMA. I cannot get into it here in much detail, but needless to say it is a funny story that you must ask me about when I get home. Ahhh…good times.
So my new cell phone number is (if you are calling from Canada or the US) SEE BELOW. The number at our house (land line) is 011 251 11 6633322. Call me if you can. It would be lovely to chat! I miss you all very much – yes – that’s right – each and every one of you. Have a great day!
UPDATE: Due to dramatic circumstances far beyond my control, as of October 21, 2008, I have a new cell phone number. Please call me at 011 251 913319302. The land line telephone number noted above remains the same. Talk to you all soon!
So I got a SIM card at a fair price after much drama. MUCH DRAMA. I cannot get into it here in much detail, but needless to say it is a funny story that you must ask me about when I get home. Ahhh…good times.
So my new cell phone number is (if you are calling from Canada or the US) SEE BELOW. The number at our house (land line) is 011 251 11 6633322. Call me if you can. It would be lovely to chat! I miss you all very much – yes – that’s right – each and every one of you. Have a great day!
UPDATE: Due to dramatic circumstances far beyond my control, as of October 21, 2008, I have a new cell phone number. Please call me at 011 251 913319302. The land line telephone number noted above remains the same. Talk to you all soon!
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