Talitha Kum conducted the formation training at the Galilee Center in Debre Zeit, Ethiopia, from June 10-14, 2024. This training was attended by 32 participants from various religious congregations, representatives from eleven ecclesiastical dioceses of the Catholic Church nationwide, youth leaders, and three representatives from the anti-human trafficking office of the Ethiopian Episcopal Catholic Secretariat's (ACS).

The 4-day formation began with the opening liturgy celebrated by His Excellency Cardinal Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel, who expressed and assured his strong support for the Talitha Kum network in Ethiopia. Sr. Monica Onwunali, OLA from Nigeria, and Sr. Abby Avelino, MM, Talitha Kum International Coordinator, led the sessions through an engaging and participative workshop. At the end of the training, participants collaborated to formulate a strategic plan of action, filled with ambitious goals and activities to alleviate the scourge of human trafficking prevalent in Ethiopia. The program also included interaction opportunities (networking) with other NGOs, like the shelter run by CVM.

The closing ceremony featured a concluding Mass presided by Monsignor Markos, co-celebrating with Mon. Lesane Christos and five priests which was followed by the commissioning ceremony of the Steering Committee members, in the presence of Sr. Abby Avelino and Fr. Hailemariam Medhin, President of CMRS Ethiopia. The Major Conference of Religious in Ethiopia officially relaunched the anti-trafficking network Talitha Kum Tinsae, Ethiopia.

Religious superiors from different congregations attended the closing ceremony, and all the participants were filled with enthusiasm and passionately committed to joining Talitha Kum's mission of eradicating human trafficking and restoring the dignity of the vulnerable.

June 28, 2024