A New Years Greeting from Yirga Gebregziaber, NALA's strategic advisor

Dear NALA community and friends,

My name is Yirga Gebregziaber and I am NALA's strategic advisor. I live in Mekelle and also am in charge of Organization for Social Services, Health and Development ( OSSHD) Tigray Branch. In 2008, I began working with NALA. I had met Prof. Bentwich and was inspired by his vision and commitment to helping those with parasitic disease. I believed in his mission and we began working together on what was to become a very successful project in Mekelle that then helped propel NALA forward. Today I am involved with NALA programs on many levels. I lead training for teachers and the women's’ development army around Ethiopia. I am also involved with strategic planning, advising and representing NALA at different local and national forums. Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a problem in many communities in Ethiopia and NALAs work is very valuable. Over the past 10 years I have observed that the NALA team sincerely believes in the community’s capacity to change. Achieving great results with little investment, this is the unique nature of NALA. I see myself continuing my commitment to NALA in the future. This year the people of Israel and Ethiopia share a special bond as the New Year comes at the same time.This past year was a year for learning and we enter the New Year with hope and renewed commitment to action to increase the impact of our work. I have seen NALA grow from a community project to national project and seen the commitment of the volunteers, staff, board and donors. I see that the success is because of their commitment. My humble request is that the volunteers, donors and staff to continue this important support and work. I would like to wish all of you a Happy New Year: Happy Rosh Hashana. ርሑስ ሓዱሽ ዓመት ! መልካም አዲስ አመት!