February 2020 Ethiopia philanthropic highlights Closely monitored by the IC of Germany, children from the city slums of Ethiopia are given tennis coaching, education and free meals. Discipline in tennis and at school is a requirement for participation in TDKET and each year over 50 children take part. In 2019, the project was recognized by the government as the best private sports funding program for poor children in Ethiopia! As a result, Tariku Tesfaye, the founder and manager of the project, was invited to two tv-shows and was able to present his project to a wider public. Some local sponsors were found through this presentation. Once more Tariku and some of the best kids spent some weeks in the Racket-Center Nussloch, Germany, in order to train and to play junior tournaments. In October 2019, TDKET for the first time participated in the African IC Rod Laver Junior Challenge representing Ethiopia very well, Tariku´s team (2 boys and girls aged 16 or younger) beat a Development Team from South Africa 5:1 and a team from Botswana 6:0. Only the South African top team could stop Tariku´s team on the final day. The participation in this event was a wonderful experience for the players. It was their first trip to South Africa. In November 2019, Tariku received a high-ranking delegation from Germany led by the Minister for Economy and Building of the State Baden-Württemberg. The minister was very impressed and spontaneously donated 1.000,00 €. Thanks to private sponsors, some of Tariku´s kids can attend a private high-school. 2 of them successfully passed their final exam some months ago. Last, but not least, we can report a reactivation of Manfred Lautenschläger, a former top-sponsor of the project. With his foundation he is ready to fund for up to 30 boys or girls from TDKET the attendance of a private high-school for a period of 5 years. This is an annual engagement of 21.000 €. For further information, see the IC Philanthropy webpage and TDKET website. Previous Article First IC Council e-Newsletter Next Article Juan Maria Tintoré