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As we continue commemorating Women this month, a song by world renown soul singer Aretha Franklin comes to mind. The song is Young, Gifted and Black and is fitting for an incredible experience I had here in Addis. I had the pleasure and sheer honor of being a guest at The School of St. Yared, celebrating their 10th Anniversary with an incredible display of talented future poets, painters, actors, singers, inventors and more…all under the age of 13. My dear daughter (from another mother) Sorit Mahde, compelled me to skip my Friday morning ritual of writing and join her up the mountain around the Bella area of Eyesus Orthodox Church. We were also joined by fashion designer Furdo DawiDesign, Artist Merid Tafesse, and the Australian Ambassador Jenny DaRin. The morning began with a telling of the history of The School of St. Yared. Narratives of teachers and store keepers who began with the founder – poor daily laborers, uneducated and vulnerable women – now teachers, administrators and the backbone of the school which serves almost 300 children.