Trócaire award recipient thanks Mayo public for 50 years of support
An Ethiopian nun who has continued to help people in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia in spite of the conflict that has raged there for nearly three years has been honoured by Trócaire.
Sister Medhin Tesfay was in attendance at the Trócaire 50th Anniversary Conference, where she was presented with the Trócaire Romero International Award by Bishop William Crean, who is chair of the organisation, in recognition of her extraordinary courage and commitment.
Sister Medhin thanked the people of Mayo and counties right across Ireland for their support of not just the Daughters of Charity but many other partner organisations since Trócaire was founded 50 years ago.
“Through your generosity,” she said, “we have been able to shed light on people's plight, share their stories and advocate for the attention and assistance they desperately need. Your support has helped in saving many lives, illuminating a path towards a brighter future for these individuals, offering them a glimmer of hope and a chance for a better life.”
Trócaire CEO Caoimhe de Barra said: “Trócaire’s history is owned by the people of Co. Mayo who together, for 50 years, have shown unyielding solidarity to those who are suffering in our world. It is also owned by our brave partners overseas, like Sister Medhin, who are at the centre of positive change for their communities.
“I cannot thank our donors, clergy, parishioners, teachers, students and volunteers enough for the incredible support they have given, and continue to give, to Trócaire. Their generosity and solidarity with those in need in some of the world’s most fragile countries is humbling.”
Sister Medhin has given tirelessly to the transformative and life-saving work of the Daughters of Charity in Ethiopia for nearly three decades. She is known and respected by many around the world, including Ireland, Scotland, England and the US, for the work she has done.
Her congregation opened two houses in Tigray in the 1970s to support the disadvantaged, marginalised and people living in poverty in these areas. The first house of the Daughters of Charity in Tigray Region, and where Sister Medhin lives and serves, was established in 1973 – the same year that Trócaire was established in Ireland.
Trócaire has worked with the Daughters of Charity since 1990. The work undertaken by the Sisters includes supporting education, health, emergency response, and economic and livelihoods supports, particularly to women.
When recent conflict prevented access for the UN and international NGOs, Sister Medhin courageously continued her work. At the height of the conflict, when there was no communication with the region, Sister Medhin continued to provide relief items, supports and inspiration to the people.