A Light Extinguished, A Legacy Endures: Remembering Rotarian Guenet Guebre-Christos

By Hanna Abebe
With heavy hearts, the Rotary community mourns the loss of a true giant, Rotarian Guenet Guebre-Christos from the Rotary Club of Addis Ababa West, who passed away on April 28, 2025.

She was more than just a Rotarian; she was a pillar of strength, a wellspring of wisdom, and an embodiment of love. While grief casts a shadow, our hearts are also filled with gratitude for the years we shared with this remarkable woman.
Guenet was a passionate peace advocate, a champion of school feeding initiatives in Ethiopia, and a haven for countless refugees under the care of the UNHCR. She has left us for good. However, her impact remains woven into the fabric of our community.

From the Rotary Peace Centre projects to the school feeding programs that nourished young minds, Guenet poured her heart and soul into making a difference. She was a constant presence, guiding projects with her expertise in management, design, implementation, monitoring, and follow-up, all with a focus on improving the lives of schoolchildren through feeding programs, libraries, literacy initiatives, and access to water and sanitation.

She was a kindhearted Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Addis Ababa West and a Major Donor to the Rotary Foundation. She also served as a mentor and guiding light, earning the affection and respect of Rotarians and Rotaractors, who saw her as a mother figure.

Her dedication extended far beyond Rotary. Guenet’s illustrious career with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spanned decades, taking her to some of the world’s most challenging regions.

• In Rwanda (2008-2010), she managed the transition, return, reintegration, and rehabilitation of Rwandans following the genocide and supported the reconciliation process.

• In Pakistan (2004-2010), she oversaw the care of millions of Afghan refugees and facilitated their voluntary repatriation, while also responding to the humanitarian crisis caused by the earthquake and internal conflict.

• In Nigeria (2007-2008), she managed the repatriation of Liberian refugees.
• In Washington DC (2000-2004), she liaised with the US government and advocacy groups to support UNHCR operations.

• And in Benin (1993-1997) and Kenya (1991-1994), she responded to refugee emergencies and managed the influx of refugees from neighboring countries.
Guenet’s life was a testament to unwavering commitment, tireless service, and boundless compassion. Her influence reached across continents, touching the lives of countless individuals and leaving an indelible mark on the world.

Though her physical presence is gone, Rotarian Guenet Guebre-Christos’s spirit of service, her dedication to peace, and her unwavering commitment to humanity will continue to inspire us. Let us honor her memory by carrying on her legacy, striving to make a difference in the lives of others, and upholding the values she so passionately embodied.