Addis Guzo

Strengthening Fitness and Performance in Wheelchair Basketball

We are pleased to have Jessie Robinson, a UK-trained and registered physiotherapist with experience at the London Spinal Cord Injury Centre, supporting our Wheelchair Basketball Team.

With her background in rehabilitation and wheelchair sport, Jessie is currently volunteering as a trainer in physical fitness, working closely with the team to build strength, endurance, and overall performance on the court.

Her contribution brings valuable expertise and energy, supporting the continued growth of inclusive sports and athlete development.

Investing in a Safer Workplace

Addis Guzo employees recently participated in a training on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), First Aid, and Kaizen Awareness.

The training strengthened participants' knowledge of workplace safety, hazard prevention, emergency response, and continuous improvement practices. Through both theory and practical learning, employees gained valuable skills to help create a safer, healthier, and more productive work environment.

We were pleased to provide a parent training session at Care Epilepsy Ethiopia (CEE), focusing on child development and family-centered rehabilitation.

At Addis Guzo, we believe that empowering parents with knowledge and practical skills is key to supporting children’s growth and development.

Thank you to Care in Epilepsy in Ethiopia for the collaboration. Together, we continue to strengthen support for children and their families.

“Dance changed more than my movement — it changed my life.”

Misikir Shimelis, now 23 years old, has been part of Addis Guzo’s contemporary dance program since 2019. After becoming disabled at the age of 4 she found a space for expression, growth, and connection through dance.

Swipe to read her story and experience in her own words.

We are deeply grateful to the Rotary Club Rome International Rotary Club Rome International, Dr. Hewan Mulugeta Asfeha, and the talented artists and supporters — including Lori Hickey, Sara Corti, Ajantha Duminda, and Francesco Patriarca — who came together in Rome for the Fundraising Aperitivo and Charity Art Auction in support of Addis Guzo’s mission.

The event created an important opportunity to raise awareness about the barriers faced by people with disabilities in Ethiopia, while highlighting the impact of rehabilitation, mobility support, early intervention, and inclusive livelihood programs.

We are grateful for the continued support through the ongoing online charity art auction and proud to see Addis Guzo’s work and Bottlebrush products shared on an international platform.

Together, we can make a difference.
Support Addis Guzo Center of Excellence by making a bid in the Charity Art Auction: https://lnkd.in/dn276VCJ

Recognizing Strengths, Building Opportunities

A three-day Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) training was conducted for members of the contemporary dance group and wheelchair basketball team, bringing together both male and female participants living with disabilities.

Through interactive discussions, team activities, and asset-mapping exercises, participants explored their individual strengths, group capacities, and community resources. The training encouraged collaboration, confidence, and a shift toward a more strength-based and self-reliant mindset.

By focusing on existing abilities and opportunities, the sessions created space for learning, empowerment, and shared growth.