Viewpoints | Jan 03,2026
Nov 2 , 2024
By Carolyn Kissane
I found myself in a desperate situation last week, completely out of water at home. With a growing thirst that could not be quenched, I turned to my neighbours for help. As I approached a shopkeeper outside our compound, a woman living in the same block overheard and generously offered to assist me. The relief was immense.
The persistent water shortage left many of the condominium residents in my residence blind. Not everyone had filled their barrels and tankers, and those who had quickly ran out. Previously, we relied on a nearby source and transported water using a Bajaj (three-wheeler rickshaw). But with that option no longer available, life had become increasingly difficult for those of us living on the outskirts of the city. Our only recourse was to call delivery services, but then we learned that water would arrive the following day.
Living in an area where there is a reliable water supply is a luxury I once took for granted. Living in condominiums has taught me the real value of water; now, I find myself compelled to voice my concerns whenever I see it wasted. Life’s demands are not easy from essentials like getting water to opportunities that could reshape our lives. But this incident made me realise that I overlooked resources within reach. Sometimes, a simple ask can reveal hidden assets and spark connections that enrich our journey.
It is easy to miss the support systems around us.
In my attempt, I approached familiar and unfamiliar faces alike. To my surprise, many offered what little they had, with overwhelming generosity. I was left humbled, understanding the value of community support in times of need.
Navigating daily aspirations, we tend to overlook available support systems. A willingness to ask for help can unveil resources and connections that not only aid our pursuits but enrich our experiences along the way.
The experience reinforced the power of community, the kindness usually found in unlikely places, and the importance of not hesitating to seek help. I now realise that whether in search of knowledge, motivation, or emotional support, asking for help can lead to profound personal growth and new insights, connecting us with perspectives that enrich our lives in unexpected ways.
Asking for help reflects our interconnectedness, unmasking the vulnerabilities we all face and the natural inclination to assist one another.
In a world that usually celebrates self-sufficiency, we may forget that strength lies not just in independence but also in the relationships that sustain us. I tapped into a network of compassion that exists quietly in our neighbourhoods, waiting to be activated by the simplest of gestures. The support I found was a reminder that in our shared struggles, there is a strength that builds when we lean on each other.
This experience left me with a renewed commitment to reciprocate. The generosity extended to me reminded me that small acts can ripple out, inspiring others to give, share, and uplift those around them. I am more aware now of the importance of building and maintaining these connections, whether they are for times of need or simply for encouraging a greater sense of community.
It is these connections that bring depth to our lives, adding richness to both our daily routines and the challenges we face. I am left with a lasting reminder: sometimes, by reaching out to others, we gain far more than we anticipated—a connection, a lesson, and, most importantly, a reminder of the kindness that we can both give and receive.
PUBLISHED ON
Nov 02,2024 [ VOL
25 , NO
1279]
Viewpoints | Jan 03,2026
Radar | Jan 31,2026
Fortune News | Oct 29,2025
Fortune News | Aug 25,2024
Fortune News | Dec 01,2024
My Opinion | Apr 09,2023
Commentaries | Sep 18,2021
Radar | May 25,2019
Editorial | Dec 20,2025
Fortune News | Sep 08,2019
Photo Gallery | 189877 Views | May 06,2019
Photo Gallery | 179602 Views | Apr 26,2019
Photo Gallery | 176235 Views | Oct 06,2021
My Opinion | 141936 Views | Aug 14,2021
Dec 22 , 2024 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW
Charged with transforming colossal state-owned enterprises into modern and competitiv...
Aug 18 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Although predictable Yonas Zerihun's job in the ride-hailing service is not immune to...
Jul 28 , 2024 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW
Unhabitual, perhaps too many, Samuel Gebreyohannes, 38, used to occasionally enjoy a couple of beers at breakfast. However, he recently swit...
Jul 13 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Investors who rely on tractors, trucks, and field vehicles for commuting, transporting commodities, and f...
Jun 13 , 2026
The recent policy decision to fully open freight forwarding to foreign capital may be...
Jun 6 , 2026
For a political veteran as controversial as Getachew Reda, last week's national elect...
May 30 , 2026
Tomorrow, millions of Ethiopians are expected to vote in the seventh national electio...
May 23 , 2026
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team has spent weeks in Addis Abeba conducting t...
Jun 14 , 2026 . By NAHOM AYELE
Finance Minister Ahmed Shide walked into Parliament on Thursday, June 11, 2026, with...
Ethiopian Airlines' effort to tame its largest operating pressure has taken it to Sau...
Jun 14 , 2026 . By BEZAWIT HULUAGER
ASKY Airlines is trying to make the leap from regional carrier to aviation platform....
Jun 14 , 2026 . By NAHOM AYELE
The crowd arrived before the judges did, turning the quiet civil benches at the Lidet...
Loading your updates...