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Association of Disabled Eritreans (ADE)
The
Association of Disabled Eritreans was established in 02/02/2002. In 2001, one
year prior to its establishment, dedicated and knowledgeable Eritreans
discussed, scrutinized, wrote the by-laws, and agreed to officially title the
organization as ADE. Being that, ADE is originated in France; a study was
made on how the by-laws should be written in accordance of the French law. This
effort was done while caring for the disabled Eritrean heroes in Kassela, Sudan.
ADE was started by French Eritrean Tesfay Teklezghi, Abreha Tesfamicael, and German Eritrean Teklesenbet Teklai. These three men along with other concerned Eritreans from all over the world, (Europe, United States, Canada and Australia) agreed to write the by-laws and therefore made ADE the first official nonprofit organization in France to aid disabled Eritreans.
A fund raiser was created to help raise money and awareness of the needs of the
disabled veterans. ADE representatives helped push this honorable case and
collect money. To mention some of the ways and methods they used, see below:
· In order to help spread awareness volunteers reported the news of ADE through websites, phone calls, and emails to family and friends.
· Money was collected by selling posters, pens and DVDs ( by Zehaye Mehari & Tesfaldet Abraha) displaying the conditions of the Eritrean veterans.
· Many were recruited to sign up for ADE memberships in which money is generated through monthly membership fees.
· A fund raising dinner party was organized in USA, Switzerland, Germany, and Sweden which was hosted by Eritrean women.
· Money and other goods were donated from Eritreans from, Canada, Holland, Norway, Denmark , Australia, Saudi Arabia and from Italy Abba Mariano.
· Before receiving all the help from the above concerned Eritreans, the formerly known ELF RC organization took on the responsibility to take care of the disabled Eritreans.
What improvements will be guaranteed for these disabled veterans? It is
understandable for one to question what the ADE plans to accomplish with the
donations made for its cause. Below is some information disclosing what the
money was used for:
The association had brought ( Center) a larger house allowing each individual to have their own bedroom rather the rented one. This bigger space accommodates their needs more effectively.
The donations made were also used to renovate the new house and build a recreational place.
Being that the power supply of Kassela is not dependable; a standby generator was purchased to ensure energy.
Medicine along with other medical equipment was bought and sent as well.
A large portion of the donations was spent to modify the bath room (WC). Thesebathrooms cater to the needs of the disabled veterans.
Some veterans experienced difficulties using the standard wheel chairs that were donated; (due to the age and sickness) $10,000.00 was spent by themselves, to aid those needing a motorized wheelchair.
The tsunami wave of interest by concerned Eritreans of 2008, from USA, Canada and other countries
to help our disabled veterans collected about $50,000.00. This money covered their food for two years,
2009 and 2010.
When this $50,000 was collected, it was remembered that a discussion was conducted amongst the
concerned Eritreans on what to do with the money. There was two proposals came out, one is to cover
their food for the years to come; and the other one was to construct a company managed by them and
for them. Committee was formed to study both these two issues and came out empty handed. Even
though this idea is not possible this time, its usefulness will not be forgotten.