‘‘Writing is the most creative instinct that broadens mental horizon and makes you adequately sensitive towards life. It makes mind thoroughly analytical and positively productive, which enables you to observe, understand, analyze and interpret things, circumstances and human behavior in right perspective,’’ said the short-story writer Yezina Worku. Yezina Worku, the first ever short-story female writer in Ethiopia hailed from Addis Ababa was replying to her felicitation by department of Ethiopian Language and Literature, College of Social Science and Humanities, at Main Campus on 4th June 2015.
The program began with AMU’s Vice President for Business and Development, Mrs Rahel Elias, welcoming the author, said, it was Arba Minch University’s privilege to felicitate her for exemplary achievement in the field of literature as a female author.
College of Social Science and Humanities’ Dean, Dr Teshome Yirgu showering accolades on her, said, ‘‘You are one of the great souls and an intellectual, can be a source of inspiration not only for our students but for the entire community.’’
The program began with student reciting poem followed by a skit delineating the present scenario in which female folks grow and pursue their ambitious instinct. The department also paid glowing tribute to the acclaimed deceased writer and singer Gelanesh Haddis; she was highly revered figure in Orthodox Church fraternity for her typical Qune singing style.
At the outset, Yezina, apprised the gathering about herself and her professional and literary pursuit; department student interviewed her. Zemenu Haddis, AMU teacher presently pursuing his Master in Philology from Addis Ababa University, critically appreciated two of her stories. He also spoke about erstwhile write-singer Gelanesh Haddis.
At the end, students’ group staged a play revolving around Ethiopia’s three praiseworthy queens i.e. Queen of Shaba, Akomado and Taytu. They used the analogy to depict Ethiopian women’s socio-economic status in the present context.
The event was financed by Gender Affairs Directorate; its director Ms Munit Mekuria and others attended the program.

(By Corporate Communication Directorate: Philips Joseph)