Tena Kebena, Gardens from dust – A project for urban agriculture in Ethiopia

Tena Kebena, urban agriculture in Addis Ababa

In 1993 (Ethiopian Calendar, 2000 Gregorian Calendar) two youths named Alemayehu Akalu & Desalegn Firew established the Tena Kebena & Ginfle Cleaning Association (TKGCA). Their motivation for this project was seeing all of the problems, pollution, and rubbish in the local area. They also noticed there were no other youth organizations and they wanted to help. Soon the organization became 10 members who were all committed to helping the local community in various ways. Unfortunately, despite the wonderful intentions, the organization was forced to cease functioning after 3 years due to lack of resources and support.

Alemayhu and Desalegn continued to informally clean and care for the local area and due to their undefeatable efforts The Tena Kebena association was soon reestablished.

After 3 years the Youth Resources centre was built over time computers and books have been donated and a green house, vegetable patches, medicinal plants and fruit trees have been established. The association now has 80 members ranging from the ages of 5 up to 30. The major principals of the association are to involve all sectors of society regardless of age, gender, religion, culture and political beliefs, to form healthy working and social relationships between all individuals. The major focus of the association is the youth of the local area.

Where does the organization name come from? In Amharic ‘Tena’ means health and Kebena & Ginfle are the names of two local rivers.

Tena Kebena educates and assists the youth and local community by teaching them:

Bio-intensive gardening
How to recycle
How to make organic fertilizer and pesticide
Container gardening
How to grow and maintain organic fruit and vegetables
Make and use natural traditional medicine
Indigenous knowledge for farming
Faith gardening
Community resource center delivers internet service and basic computer training courses.
Environmental sound band actively involved in raising awareness through art.
Shower facilities for members and local community

Visit their website here.