02/12/2025
Lecture Series
Today, we had the honor of hosting a truly remarkable lecture series featuring two world-acclaimed international guest authors:
Goretti Kyomuhendo (Uganda) ā renowned Ugandan author, mentor, publisher, and literary activist.
Lemn Sissay ā celebrated poet, playwright, and broadcaster.
This distinguished program included an interactive session with 100 selected LIA high school students. Our esteemed guests generously:
Shared their personal journeys and life experiences.
Inspired us with Lemn Sissayās reflection on how everything begins with imagination, reminding us that "Everything is born of the imagination" and to "Be the bridge between imagination and reality."
Touched us with Goretti Kyomuhendoās story of learning the art of storytelling from her grandmother, noting, "The world may call my grandma illiterate but I don't because she is the one who taught me of the world through folktales."
Encouraged students to pursue and celebrate their literary passions, with advice like Goretti Kyomuhendo's: "You should read more than you write... readers are writers, and writers are readers."
We would also like to recognize our exceptional student MCs, Firtuna Dessie and Hemen Tewodros, who led the event with confidence and grace; the powerful speech delivered by students Ahyan Nejib and Fatimah Ferid; and the meaningful school tour curated and guided by students Abimael Samson, Firtuna Dessie, Khulud Aman, and Yosabeth Simon.
Our students were excellentāasking thoughtful questions, engaging deeply with our guests, and demonstrating their curiosity and creativity. A standout moment was the insightful question from student Hasset Tilahun: "Do you write about: The life you had; The life you escaped, or The life you wish you had?"
This special outreach initiative was not only intellectually enriching but also deeply inspiring. It nurtured emerging talent, sparked creativity, and cultivated a lifelong love of reading and writing among young minds.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Goretti Kyomuhendo and Lemn Sissay for gracing us with their presence and sharing their invaluable experiences. Their words and wisdom will resonate with our students for years to come. Lemn Sissay's closing thought, "Discovering who you are is the beauty of life," and Goretti Kyomuhendo's encouragement to "Always persevere even if it seems dark," provide lasting inspiration.
We would also like to thank the great jazz musician and Lebawian, Jorga Mesfin, for opening the program with one of his musical pieces.
Finally, we would like to thank all Lebawi faculty members, students, our distinguished guests, and Dashen Bank Culture Club for making this event possible.