Abebech Gobena: A Great Ethiopian Humanitarian and Philanthropist
12 October 2023
Abebech Gobena was an extraordinary person who dedicated her life to making a positive difference in Ethiopia. Born in Addis Ababa, she saw the struggles and hardships faced by her fellow Ethiopians. Inspired by compassion, she took it upon herself to bring hope and support to those in need!
Abebech Gobena's story is one of selflessness, resilience, and unwavering determination to help others. In this article, we will explore her remarkable journey and the lasting impact she made through her humanitarian efforts.
Early Life and Background
Abebech Gobena was born on October 20, 1935, in a small village called Shebel in the Amhara Governorate. Her father sadly lost his life during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War, so she was raised by her grandparents until she was nine years old.When Abebech was just ten years old, she was married without her consent. However, she made a brave decision and ran away to the capital city, Addis Ababa. There, she was able to receive a basic education and later found work as a quality controller at a company that dealt with coffee and grains. In 1973, Abebech went on a pilgrimage to Gishen Mariam in the Wollo Province. During that time, the region was deeply affected by a terrible famine.
It was there that she came across a heart-wrenching scene—a child sitting beside their deceased mother in a feeding center. Despite having very little herself, Abebech selflessly shared the only things she had—a loaf of bread and five liters of holy water—with other victims. She then brought the child and another orphan back to her home in Addis Ababa. This act of compassion marked the beginning of an incredible journey for Abebech.
Within just one year, she had opened her doors to 21 children, providing them with a safe and loving home. This experience ignited her determination to help more orphaned and vulnerable children in Ethiopia. Abebech Gobena's early life was filled with challenges, but it also shaped her into a resilient and caring individual who dedicated herself to making a difference in the lives of others. Her journey from a small village to the bustling capital city laid the foundation for her future endeavors as a renowned humanitarian and philanthropist.
Establishment of the Abebech Gobena Children's Care and Development Association
These services include formal and non-formal education, activities focused on HIV/AIDS prevention, habitat improvement, infrastructure development, and the empowerment of women, among others. AGOHELMA has played a crucial role in providing institutional care for 150 orphans. Since its inception, the association has supported over 12,000 children in need. Moreover, its reach extends far beyond the orphanage, benefiting over 1.5 million individuals directly or indirectly throughout different regions of the country. The holistic approach taken by AGOHELMA demonstrates Abebech's commitment to addressing the various needs of vulnerable children and communities in Ethiopia.
Abebech (also called Edaye by her loving children and close relatives), who led with honor for 41 challenging years, faced multiple surgeries and lived with a Pacemaker for over 16 years to support her heart. In recent times, due to her health issues and old age, she received care, follow-up, and assistance from physicians at home.
Sadly, Dr. Abebech Gobena passed away at the age of 85 due to COVID-19 on Sunday, July 4, 2021, after receiving treatment in the intensive care unit at St. Paul's Hospital. Her burial took place on July 6 at Holy Trinity Cathedral, where government officials and mourners gathered to pay their respects. The Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Abune Matias, the President of Oromia Region, Shimelis Abdisa, the Deputy Mayor of Addis Ababa, Adanech Abebe, and other public figures also attended the funeral.
The gathering paid tribute to Abebech's extraordinary life and the significant impact she made in Ethiopia. Even though Abebech Gobena is no longer with us, her legacy lives on through the incredible work of AGOHELMA and the countless lives it continues to touch. Her selfless dedication and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children and communities serve as an inspiration to all.
Recognition and Awards
Abebech Gobena's exceptional contributions and dedicated efforts in the field of humanitarian work earned her numerous accolades and recognition, both nationally and internationally.
Her remarkable achievements were celebrated through various prestigious awards and certificates. Some of the notable honors she received include:
- The Second World Food Program International Women's Day Award Honors
- Cup and Certificate of Merit from the United Nations Association of Ethiopia, Family Federation for World Peace, and the United Nations Volunteers Program
- Certificate of recognition for her contribution to the Silver Jubilee anniversary of CCRDA (Christian Relief and Development Association)
- Certificate of Merit and Cup from the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
- Ambassador for Peace Certificate from the Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace
- Certificate of Merit, Cup, and Madelia from Ethiopian Airlines
- Group Spain Award in Support of Humanitarian Action Certificate from Women's Economic and Political Endeavors
- Certificate and Cup as the Regional Winner for Central Africa for exemplary and inspirational work in the interest of sustainable development for Africa
- Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humanities from Jimma University
- Medal and Certificate of Merit from Addis Ababa University
- 2004 World Business Awards "London World Aware Business Award"
- "Ma Africa" (Mother Africa) Award at the African level from South Africa
- Awards and certificates from the Prime Minister's Office in different times
- Various awards from the Addis Ababa City Administration Mayor's Office at different times
- Incentives and accolades from various national ministries
- Incentive awards from various international organizations and over a hundred other prizes
