BY ANDUALEM SISAY GESSESSE – They say, ‘the most successful people in life are those who do what they love to do.’ But it is not that easy especially in a developing country like Ethiopia unless one is so special and dedicated to living her/his own dream. This seems the case for the 2010 Green Award winner journalist Getu Temesgen, who is honored by President of Ethiopia Girma Wolde-Giorgis.
Time and again he has demonstrated his passion for journalism in his documentaries and special entertainment programs on state broadcaster – ETV. Unlike many reporters in Ethiopia, who do the job just for a living, one can see from Getu’s work how he is passionate, creative and dedicated to professional journalism.
One of his documentaries, Konso Hano, which focused on the need to preserve the rich heritage and the village and forest of the Konso tribe of Ethiopia, has made his win this year award by the non-governmental organization – Ethiopian Sustainable Tourism Alliance, which collaborated with USAID Ethiopia office. During the award ceremony held at the Sheraton Addis Hotel the organized named Getu as, ‘an enlightened hero who, through the practice of his profession, stands for the interest of his profession, stands for the interest of his country and people”.
“I am happy to win this award. This will publicize my work and help the decision makers as well as the general public to think again why it is important to protect the rich heritage of the Konso people,” says Getu. “If Konso is registered by UNESCO as Ethiopia’s cultural Heritage, its historic victory would be told over and over again,” he said.
It is when I see such dedicated journalists that I see hope in the future of journalism in Ethiopia. That is why I don’t give up on journalism in Ethiopia. No matter how tough our playing ground could be, we still have hope thanks to the people like Getu, who inspire us in the face of all the challenges. Congratulation my colleague and journalism schoolmate Getu! Your best days in journalism are ahead of you keep on keeping on!