It has been learned that a distinguished couple who have served their country in the fields of engineering and nutrition, and who are regarded as veteran professionals, are about to present the story of their lives in a 225-page book.
The book, titled “The Couple on Life’s Journey,” explores the lives of its subjects from childhood to adulthood.
The book was written by journalist Bersabeh Gete and Ezra Ejigu, while the editing work was carried out by Tadesse Mamo.
The subjects of the biography are the renowned Ethiopian engineer Tefera Haile and his wife W/ro Amsalework Hailemariam. The preparation of the book took more than a year.
Engineer Tefera is known as a professional enjineer who played a major role in the design and construction of significant projects, including Axum Zion Church, structures within the Grand Palace, Gofa Gabriel Church, and many other major buildings—from the design stage through completion.
The book focuses on the couple’s 62-year journey of love and life, their major national contributions and achievements, and their remarkable family unity.
Prepared by Tewodaj Media and Communication, the 225-page book highlights the couple’s life journey, national accomplishments, and strong family bond. Work on the book continued for more than a year.
Although the couple carried out valuable work for their country, their story has remained largely unknown until now.
The couple, whose life stories have now been documented, stated that although they are advanced in age, they are delighted to be alive and able to present their inspiring life story to readers as an example. Engineer Tefera Haile and W/ro Amsalework Hailemariam also expressed deep gratitude to God for granting them this blessing.
Engineer Tefera Haile was among the first students to graduate in engineering during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie, having received education through the Emperor’s support and goodwill. Later, selected and assigned by the Emperor, he worked as an engineer on the construction of Axum Zion Church, Gofa Gabriel Church in Addis Ababa, and projects within the Grand Palace. He also played a professional role in designing and overseeing the construction of buildings commissioned by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Arat Kilo and elsewhere.
In addition, during the early years after the fall of the Derg and the rise of the EPRDF government, Engineer Tefera contributed significantly to the difficult search for the secretly buried remains of Emperor Haile Selassie. Using his professional expertise and experience, he helped locate and excavate the remains, enabling the Emperor to receive a dignified burial. For this contribution, he received recognition and appreciation.
His wife, W/ro Amsalework, was among the women who obtained higher education opportunities during the Emperor’s era. Throughout her professional career, she worked on social issues that promoted women’s participation. She was among the leading figures who helped establish the first observance of March 8 (International Women’s Day) in Ethiopia and was one of the early members involved in founding the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA).
While working at the Ethio-Swedish Nutrition Institute, she played a major role in promoting the infant food product Faffa. Together with her infant daughter Kokeb Tefera, she appeared in advertisements and traveled throughout the country to promote the product, helping it gain acceptance and widespread use.
During these travels, she witnessed firsthand the drought that was occurring in the country and the reality that had been hidden from the world. By documenting and reporting what she saw, and by speaking publicly at forums attended by figures such as Senay Likke, she became a voice for the people and a defender of the truth.
The book also includes testimonies from the couple’s relatives, friends, and children. Beyond recounting their remarkable life journey, it contains chapters, accompanied by photographs, describing the national and family contributions they made both within Ethiopia and abroad.
According to the publishers, considerable effort was invested to ensure that this valuable national history would be preserved for future generations. Journalist Bersabeh Gete carried out much of the work—from interviewing the subjects and preparing the manuscript to incorporating revisions—and played the leading role in the book’s preparation. Tadesse Mamo expertly handled the editorial work. The book’s design was completed by Zerihun Assefa, while Tewodaj Media and Communication made significant contributions to the project’s success.
Tewodaj Media and Communication is known for documenting life histories. It has published more than 21 books, produced recorded life stories of nearly 40 individuals on CD, and is currently documenting the brief biographies of 400 people under a project called “Mezgebe Aemiro” (Amharic Encyclopedia ) in both book and digital formats.
