In Loving Memory of Mr. Weldu

Mr. Haileselassie Weldu (Teacher)

Born April 5, 1931 in Tigrai, Adwa district/EndabaTsahima. His vision was partially impaired at early age. He went to blind school in Asmara at Merha Ewuran Abraha Bahta. He graduated and became a teacher for blind students. As a handmade crafts trainer, he taught the skills and creativity to hundreds of blind students. His works were an income source for the school.

He was a married father for over 52 years with Ms. Abrehet Tesfay, having 5 boys and 1 girl. He is also a grandfather as well as a great grandfather. He was a member of the Tegaru community organization (Mahber Abune Aregawi) in Asmara, where all Tegaru comes together and celebrates life. It was a family get together, an unforgettable memory of Tegaru. He was part of the leadership, being a chairman of Blind Association and helped many in their learning Braille and helped in their basic needs in collaboration with several NGOs. He had the opportunity to take several courses and develop his carrier through different workshops in Addis Abeba every summer.

He became retired while teaching at Addis Abeba area (Sebeta blind school) and enjoyed participating in community social matters. He was friendly, humorous, a storyteller, direct, honest, not shy to express his feelings on political and social matters, and well respected by all diversified neighbors till the end of his life. Him and his dearest wife embraced the great Christianity honor of Kurban.

He was doing great health wise until June 2024, very active- never failing to make his bed perfectly every morning. He was also able to enjoy his time with all his children, grand children and great grant children (Most videos here on this site are very recent stories). How beautiful it is, them spending time with their grandparent at their later age! His storytelling and fun talks are always remembered. He wants to tell and reflect all the time and his children were always close and listening, except our mother- she may say, "Uh, you already told us that story...." and he may reply, "....it is new for the kids 😊."

He was always well dressed, elegantly in his suit and ties, even if he was just staying at home. He took great care of himself, and enjoyed multiple hobbies and interests. He loved reading braille books with religious and historical contents, as well as listening to local and international media outlets during his spare time. He always hoped to work on transferring his unique handcrafting skills to his children during his retirement, and train young people with blindness- especially in Tigrai where there are many blind people with no access to the resources he had.

His health started deteriorating after that and he had to visit several health facilities in Addis Abeba. Medications and treatments were not helping, he had to stay on a bed for months. All family members did their best to take care of him and support during this difficult time. He passed away on April 27 , 2025, Sunday morning. His funeral was celebrated by amazing gatherings of neighbors, youngsters, elderly, local officials, and church leadership on April 28, 2025. Thank You all, May God rest his soul in Peace!