admin | January 19, 2015
Gebrehiwot Tesfay, 2014 George Atkins Communication Award winner
Gebrehiwot Tesfay is the third of our George Atkins Communication Award co-winners. Mr. Gebrehiwot has participated in several FRI trainings, including on-the-job trainings. He has also trained other journalists who produce agricultural programs.
Mr. Gebrehiwot has worked at Dimtsi Woyane radio station in Mek’ele, Ethiopia, since September 2007. He started as a reporter and now acts as assistant editor. He is descended from a long line of farmers and is happiest when working on farming programs.
Mr. Gebrehiwot says that, because he is the media person who is nearest and most available to many farmers, they often call to ask about farming matters, or invite him to visit their village and record programs. A recent campaign on teff farming was so popular that Mr. Gebrehiwot had to stop giving out his personal telephone number, as farmers would call him for advice − even at midnight!
Mr. Gebrehiwot received the George Atkins award on October 2 in a ceremony at Dimtsi Woyane. He was excited by and appreciative of FRI’s recognition of his work. In his acceptance speech, he said, “I have worked little but the recognition is bigger and it helps me even do more for the future.”