- I love meeting lots of people. I could never imagine having a job where I was all by myself, not interacting with people, says Abnet Alemayehu.
On April 12, she started her job as receptionist at the embassy of Norway. When entering the door, Norwegian citizens in Ethiopia and other guests will be directed by Abnet. When calling the embassy, it is also Abnet’s voice which will guide callers and take their messages.
-I used to work in a travel agency, and there I developed my skills in dealing with all kinds of requests, and solving people’s problems. Before that, I used to work for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) here in Addis, which had a very international environment. I also love that, meeting with people from different cultures and learning from them.
Also in that sense, Abnet has come to the right place. She deals with Norwegians in her every-day activities, and has an office where posters and maps tell about Norway.
-My impression of Norway so far is that the country puts development at the forefront. The number of Norwegian NGO’s in Ethiopia and the activities of the embassy clearly indicates that to me. And I can certainly understand that one of your most important export goods is fish. I can see that from the map, most of the country is bordering the ocean. And the importance put on getting smoked salmon transported to Addis for the celebration of the constitution Day on May 17th also showed me the position of fish as food for Norwegians.
There is only one thing Abnet hasn’t had the chance to realize so far in her job:
- I have been taking French classes at Alliance Francaise here in Addis. At ICRC, I did get a chance to practice it, but I am somewhat doubtful I I can manage it here, Abnet laughs.