Photography Essay: The Mursi of Jinka (Location: The Lower Omo Valley, Ethiopia)

Welcome to Jinka of The Lower Omo Valley in southwestern Ethiopia.  It is a vibrant market town where the local nomadic tribe of the Mursi people come to trade for supplies.  The Mursi are traditionally cattle herders and live in one of the most isolated regions of Ethiopia.  They are most known for the clay plates, which women wear starting at the age of 15.  It took us three days to reach Jinka, combining the transportation of local buses, taxis and hitch-hiking along dusty dirt roads that roared through every vertebrae within your spine.

Film: Adult Functional Literacy (AFL) in Minogelty by Global Team for Local Initiatives

Adult Functional Literacy (AFL) is at the core of the SHIP program. Unable to speak Amharic, the Ethiopian national language, the Hamar are unable to negotiate for themselves with the government or traders. AFL is teaching interested adults how to speak, read and write basic Amharic, as well as literacy with money and numbers.

Photo Essay: Attire for Bridal Goodbyes

Photo Essay: GTLI’s Issue, Hamar’s Battle – Water

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Photo of the Day: The Constable

Hamar Tribe, Ethiopia

Welcome to Wasemo in Menogelty in the Lower Omo of Ethiopia.  This is the Hamar region where tradition prevails as elders meet with their guns, muscle and testosterone while work with Lori Pappas of the Bainbridge Island based nonprofit Global Team for Local Initiative.

Photo Essay: The Hamer Tribe of the Lower Omo Valley