The past two years have been difficult times for our entire community. In a way, the unexpected breakdown of the culture of physical contact was a serious problem. The introduction of online meetings that represented this culture was another problem for some members of our community. This was also a major challenge for us, Advocacy for Oromia, as an organization. That was when we were paying for free without using our office. 

We are not yet completely out of the pandemic; but now that it is being resolved to some extent, it is good to look back. One of the problems we faced during the pandemic is the problem of straightforward information. Due to the abundance of information, it was not easy to find information for the Oromo community. It was a difficult time until the Australian government began to prepare and disseminate information on the subject. We have had a lot of trouble getting accurate information that is professionally translated and disseminated. 

This problem had caused our society to become depressed and mentally disturbed. During this time, our volunteers have played a significant role in getting the community to improve their digital literacy and come together online. The emergency grant from the government to make this work a success has also helped us to strengthen the strength of our organization and our volunteers. In particular, the grant given to us through the government on this issue has helped us to provide accurate and up-to-date information to our community. Therefore, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the government bodies who have been and are still working tirelessly to minimize the pandemic problem and improve the hopes of the entire community. 

One of the methods used by Advocacy for Oromia and the Team of the organization during the pandemic is Oromo strengths. Oromo strengths are the Oromo culture and society that they use to cope in times of trouble and evil. We used to celebrate Oromo festivals- Irreechaa- together in person, online with family and encourage each other by sharing how we celebrated and our experiences. This is so that no one feels lonely. It also made it easier for everyone to share up-to-date information and help each other. Another strengths we have been used was health and social professionals who are members of the Oromo community to ensure that the community receives accurate information in its own language. 

To address the problems caused by the pandemic, stress, interruptions, and anxiety, it was our duty to continue to strengthen our existing program, Oromo Mental Health. The event used to be a physical gathering and discussion that I was celebrating. During a pandemic, this was not possible. Therefore, in all the existing programs, our organization has done and succeeded in educating the community about mental illness and how to treat and receive treatment. The program is still ongoing. 

Since the pandemic, we have celebrated two encouraging events together; We have successfully celebrated the Spring Festival in June and the Spring Festival in early October. Our community is also very happy to see us come together to celebrate the festival physically and face to face through difficult times; children, youth, elderly and mothers have expressed their delight. This is a success we have seen. 

But this success was not unique to our organisation; of our community, of our volunteers, of the government and various bodies who have given us support and cooperation. Advocacy for Oromia needs support from all quarters to continue its work to help and develop the community. Since working together is the foundation of organisational value, our doors are open to work with all those who help and develop the community.