GAMO PEOPLES - Improvements for 8 Villages

Gamo Peoples Democratically Decided Projects

The Inti Raymi Fund provided financial support for a variety of self-help projects within eight distinct villages of the Gamo Peoples in Omo Valley, Ethiopia. In the very remote, high altitude cloud forests of the Omo Valley, live the wonderful Gamo Peoples, rich in culture and tradition. We were first introduced to these exotic peoples, through Jacque Macharia with Mainyoito Pastoralist Integrated Development Organization known as MPIDO. We met Jacque during our recent attendance at the United Nations Permanent Forum for Indigenous Peoples in New York. On this Gamo Project, the Inti Raymi Fund brought along the following Team: Chaski with the Inti Raymi Fund, Jacque Macharia of Masai descent from Kenya, Mikius Hailu of Ethiopia, Nicole Marsh of the USA, and Kantia of Gamo descent for translation. Our personal observations were that the entire region appeared too heavily dependent upon foreign aid. These people showed no sign of self-starting determination or confidence. This disability with decisions making appears to have been caused by a dependency relationship with international foreign aid organizations with the agencies’ lack of trust allowing these people to “figure out what they need as a community”. Foreign aid usually comes in to help with its own agenda: they have a “to do list” but usually don’t bother asking the community what they want or need. This is not a criticism of the local peoples, but a direct criticism with the traditional “western style” charity model, which we believe is broken…there is no Respect and Dignity in this western model.

During our visit, we went to see approximately five of the eight villages which all belong to the same Gamo Community. We visited other “NGO” or non-governmental organizations works and public charity projects currently underway, farms and ranches, local community villages, local coops and stores, a textile factory, multiple homes, false banana production, etc. The Gamo Peoples were gracious with their hospitality, allowing us an inside look at what life is like in their villages. They shared their local foods, songs, dance and folk stories in front of the fire, as well as their tribal drink; it was memorable to be sure.

Inti Raymi Fund and the Gamo Peoples

After multiple discussions over 3 days with the approximate ­300-350 attendees, it was determined by their community that eight separate projects would be better than one collective project of $25,000. Since their self-determination was Respected, we proceeded towards with their wishes. The following is a bullet point of events as they unfolded in the last few days of our trip:

1. We asked, “What do You need” and “How can we help You?”

2. Each village assembled to discuss their community’s needs (see below).

3. Each village presented their projects for debate and support.

4. Each village democratically elected 5 trustees from within, whom could be trusted to guard the money for each project after distribution.

5. The Inti Raymi Fund team was informed, during this chaotic yet democratic selection process, the trustee groups would have female majority (3 of the 5 to be women). These committees of five would later be involved not only as guardians and trustees, but also as project committee leaders in their village projects.

Each of the eight communities opened respective bank accounts to keep their money for their projects. They opened their accounts in the local branch of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia. Later in the process we learned of the limitation of only three signors on new saving accounts at the bank. The decision was made to have the three signors on all eight accounts to be the three elected women within each community for trust reasons.

We found that every trustee was so proud and happy to see their name on their bank account that it made us so happy as well.  Treated with Respect and Dignity, the Gamo Peoples found it was easy to determine their own path and future. Far greater than what the Gamo elected for their projects, was their inalienable right to determine what to do. We left the decision up to them, with the funds guarded by their democratically elected trustees.

Good luck Gamo Peoples, we know you will make the best decisions for yourselves.