The Birth of "EMDR-Ethiopia"

October 17, 2010:

Today, 24 Ethiopian psychologists, social workers, counselors and play therapists met at Hope for Children to give birth to a new association, EMDR-Ethiopia. This group of professionals will make decisions about future educational trainings, will establish guidelines for EMDR therapists throughout Ethiopia and will maintain contact between the graduates. 

It is hard to believe how far we have come in less than 12 months! 

The group elected Yewoinshet Masresha (below, on right) as the Executive Director, and selected four other members to serve on the board of directors. 

Then the group chose five members to serve on the Executive Committee and elected Engidaw Astatkie (second from left, above) as as their Chairperson. 

Five committees were also formed, including the Charter Committee, the Education Committee, the Translation Committee, the Communication Committee and the Logistics Committee.

Three hours later, with an over-riding feeling of accomplishment, everyone gathered for an historic picture, spontaneously gesturing "Go with that" as the photo was snapped!