World News, Africa

Connected through her absence: The journey of an Oromo woman to keep high the language dear to her and forty million others

Now in her late twenties, Toltu Tufa specializes in connecting with diverse communities. As the recipient of numerous international awards, Toltu’s passion for community advocacy and leadership resulted in becoming the first female chairperson of Australia’s vibrant Oromo community in 2011. She has also been active as an Australian television show host, while using her graduate studies in Psychology and Education to work as a volunteer teacher for 10 years. Toltu’s most recent efforts sparked a viral social media campaign to revitalize Africa’s fourth most widely spoken language, Afaan Oromo, banned in parts of Africa for more than 100 years. As part of its attempt to recognize a woman of excellence for the month of March and in connection with march 8th Addis Standard spoke to Toltu on a range of topics from her efforts to launch Afaan Publications to her challenges and opportunities. Excerpts: