He's very happy that Oxfam is around. In fact, mention Oxfam to almost anyone in Ethiopia and you get a smile. It's not surprising, since the organisation has been providing respectful assistance here since 1962.

You may not know that:

• All Oxfam staff here are from Ethiopia or elsewhere in Africa, and they're all very smart and very committed
• Oxfam works closely with the other big charities. Unlike in the 70s, their activities are now closely co-ordinated
• Oxfam keeps in close touch with the government. Its drive worldwide to persuade governments to prioritize their poorest constituents is arguably its most valuable work.