The Oromo are the largest ethnic group of Ethiopia. Since 2017, over 1 million Oromos – the majority women and children – have been displaced from their homes inside of Eastern Ethiopia due to conflict.
Minnesota is home to over 40,000 members of the Oromo diaspora. One of whom, Aanne Atomssa, is ARC’s very own team member! Aanne came to the U.S. 18 years ago, but she remains connected to her community back home.
Aanne and a group of other women leaders in the area were particularly moved by the recent conflict and humanitarian emergency in Ethiopia. They wanted to do something to help. So together, they formed the Siiqqee International Oromo Women.
One way that they plan to achieve this goal is by building homes.
“Disaster happened, and we knew we had to do something,” said Aanne. “Something big. Building homes is that something big.”
The Siiqqee International Oromo Women set out to fundraise to meet their goals, with events in the U.S. and around the world. One of these events was right in our own backyard…what an amazing opportunity to do something together!
Over 200 members of the Oromo community in Minnesota came out to learn more about the crisis going on back home and how they could support it. But no event is complete without good food, of course. And that’s where we had them covered.
Before long, the room filled up and every seat was taken! The feeling felt warm, like family. Food helped to welcome people and settle them into the space. It set the tone for a successful evening ahead.
We were so fortunate to be even a small part of this successful evening, and the work of these incredible women.
