On March 30, 2006, winners of a national photo contest on “Empowering Rural Livelihoods in Ethiopia” were announced and a month-long exhibition of the top forty photos launched in a reception ceremony at the Ethiopian Development Research Institute (EDRI).

ESSP sponsored the contest to encourage amateur photographers to capture images of rural dwellers who are transforming their lives for the better.

Yonas Bogale won first place for his photograph of a young girl quenching her thirst from a water pump, while Jurgen Klein received second prize for capturing in beautiful light a young student eagerly doing her schoolwork in Silti Zone. Third place went to Ataklti Mulu for his poignant image of oxen ploughing a field in Adi Kolakul, a rural village 40km from Mekelle.

Winners of Photo Contest Capture Dignity and Strength of Rural Ethiopians Facing Development Challenges

Press Release: (PDF 136K)

On Art and Economics: Opening our Eyes, Opening our Minds

(based on opening remarks by Eleni Z. Gabre-Madhin, Program Leader, at Exhibition Launch on March 30, 2006)

1st Place Yonas Bogale

Title: She will drink until she is satisfied. If so she will continue to live

Location: Selam Technical and Vocational College
Date: December 21, 2005

Copyright © 2006 Yonas Bogale
High Res Photo (JPG 662K)

2nd Place Jurgen Klein

Title: Eagerly writing student

Location: Shelle Wasshe Qultane Qebele, Silti Woreda, Silti Zone
Date: December 2, 2005

Copyright © 2006 Jurgen Klein
High Res Photo (JPG 945K)

3rd Place Ataklti Mulu

Title: Ploughing traditionally

Location: Adi Kolakul, a village 40km from Mekelle
Date: May 25, 2005

Copyright © 2006 Ataklti Mulu
High Res Photo (JPG 865K)

4th Place Workneh Tibebu

Title: Livestock trading

Location: Dubrek, Borana
Date: September 2005

Copyright © 2006 Workneh Tibebu
High Res Photo (JPG 865K)

5th Place Alem Assefa

Title: A man's job is different

Location: Adi Kolakul, a village 40km from Mekelle
Date: May 25, 2005

Copyright © 2006 Alem Assefa
High Res Photo (JPG 865K)