Heritage Watch Staff
Esther Sellassie Antohin
Founder & Executive DirectorTo try and fill a need on the scale of society is in my mind, a call of duty. After many years of being away from my natal home Ethiopia, my return brought directly in my path, this chance to do something that needed doing. . . Addis Ababa’s older buildings, many of which are irreplaceable heritage building, for my fresh eyes (I had been living abroad for over 37 years), became the eyesore that no matter what, I couldn’t get used to. I became emboldened to get involved in trying to help save them by any means possible, when I began to notice the sweeping eradication of these buildings, which are forced to make room for the new high-rises – the hallmark of the ‘Newer, taller Addis Ababa! To be a member of Heritage Watch, a civil society Association that will try to speak for the muted history of this capital city, is a great opportunity to serve this worthy cause with unparalleled passion. Residents of Addis, who share our passion, please join us!
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Solomon Kifle
Visual ArtistEvery time I go for walk, I chose piazza, and if I go for a regular photo walk again I prefer places which are bound by old buildings and atmosphere, I am young and I love old, they say old is good, even the saying will never get old. As a person born and raised in Addis, I have been and am still a witness for Addis being in a dramatic change, I don’t really have listed reasons why I have joined the team, but only because of the beauty and the power of the idea in it. I am a visual artist graduated from the Alle School of fine art and design, using my skills I am dedicated to help the team in achieving all the plans. Together we can still keep what we have. |
Bethelem Gebremedhin
Urban Planner & Designer
The reason I joined Heritage Watch Ethiopia Association is because I am interested on protecting and promoting our heritage. It tells a story and identity on the process of how our settlements form. "It is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generation.
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Simret AregaUrban Planner & Designer
I completed my BSc from Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction and City Planning (EiABC) in urban and regional planning. Since 2017, I have been working as an assistant lecturer at Ambo University. I have also been involved in urban projects with private businesses engaged in this same field of study.
I am interested in Heritage Watch because I am very concerned about heritage buildings in Addis Ababa. Plus as an planner and designer who designs living environments, I always wonder what we could do to restore and preserve these heritage buildings. |
Alexandra Sellassie Antohin
Research & Communications AdvisorI am an anthropologist, educator and program administrator and have spent several years working in Ethiopia (Addis Ababa and Dessie). I am especially passionate about promoting anthropology and ethnography in community-led research projects. I am excited to apply my skills and interests for the development of creative approaches to heritage management in Ethiopia.
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