English
Ensira Pottery Center is one of the most fascinating places you can visit in Addis Ababa: since yesterday, it has become part of the community network collaborating with Baregota Travel and Ayzoh!. It's a cooperative, composed of 99% women, where pottery is crafted.
All the artisans are immensely talented, take great pride in their work, and have control over the entire production process from A to Z. The resulting objects are truly beautiful. Inside, there's a cheerful and relaxed atmosphere. Conversations flow abundantly, and gossip is in the air.
Children bounce around, sleep, and play amidst jugs, plates, and bowls. Occasionally, they misjudge a leap and break something. They get a stern look and then, "cigge yellem" (no problem), they either resume playing or learn to piece together the fragments of what they've broken / read more...
In Europe, a similar place would probably be promptly closed for safety reasons. Social workers would undoubtedly interfere, dictating what is right and wrong. Even I, initially, witnessing those little girls playing amidst smoke, bonfires, and glowing pieces of wood, immediately feared the worst.
Perhaps I too am influenced by the myth of absolute control and safety prevailing in the "West," which is producing masses of sad, fearful, weak, and resentful individuals. Life cannot be fully controlled.
Yet, it seems there have never been any accidents: those little girls are alert. Certainly, they will grow up well, strong, and independent. Many of them will join the revolution happening here – a blend of tradition and innovation – that girls and women are spearheading. But that's another story...
Ensira pottery center | Afincho Ber | እንስራ የሸክላ ማዕከል | አፍንጮ በር, Senegal St, Addis Abeba, Etiopia
Ayzoh! is a non-profit organization and a movement that connects people and their causes through the transformative power of visual storytelling.
Through photography, social research, design, and publishing, we create communication and advocacy tools that foster trust, collaboration, and mutual support.
Our work bridges communities, organizations, and individuals, weaving a diverse global community that drives lasting change and unity.
Somos / Comunidad Ancestral Viviente is Ayzoh!’s global project and a movement that connects indigenous peoples from diverse cultures with supporters worldwide.
Join our community of supporters: your involvement not only supports a great project but also helps lay the groundwork for sustainable change.
Together, we can build a future where every community has the opportunity to thrive. Let’s work hand in hand to make a lasting impact.
Stay updated through our newsletter, powered by MailerLite for its robust features. Receive periodic updates, ranging from brief announcements to in-depth longform journalism pieces complete with stunning photography, audio, and video. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Copyright 2024 Ayzoh APS. All rights reserved / Made by Cerberus Systems & Ayzoh! Media Lab
