Dear Friends of Ethiopia, ladies and gentlemen,
Before we present this year’s Recognition Award, I would like to share a short story.
In 1962, David and Marie-Luise Röschli went to Ethiopia with their four children. During their time there, they adopted six
Ethiopian siblings who had lost both of their parents. One of them was Zahai Röschli. Together, they returned to Switzerland as a
family of twelve.
But Zahai never forgot Ethiopia.
In 1985, Zahai returned to Ethiopia. When she saw the suffering of children, she decided to face the challenge herself and do
something about it.
In 1986, the first 19 boys and 13 girls moved into what became SELAM.
What began as a home for children grew over the years into much more: education, vocational training, healthcare, agriculture,
and support for the wider community.
And today, 40 years later, that vision is still alive.
Forty years is more than an anniversary. It represents four decades of commitment, courage, perseverance, and service, as well
as the lives of generations of children and young people who have been given a better future.
Today, Ethiopia Day is honoured to recognise SELAM and the Röschli family for their extraordinary commitment to Ethiopia and
its children.
Zahai, thank you for having the courage to face the challenge. And thank you to everyone who has carried your vision forward.
It is our great pleasure to present the Ethiopia Day Recognition Award to SELAM.
Please welcome the SELAM family to the stage.