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Religious observance is handled in a similarly unconventional manner. Though Ethiopia
is a heavily religious nation, and all community members were previously practicing
Orthodox Christians or Muslims, worship is outlawed in the commune.

“I thought, why not make one family?” said Nuru, who was raised a Muslim. “There is
one God. So why not unite? Honesty and love for fellow human beings is our religion.”
Community members have explained that they believe God wants them to use their
energy to create a just and humanitarian society, instead of to worship.

Nuru, whose name means “Father of the Village,” recalls being beaten by his parents
when he ate meat at a Christian friend’s house as a child.

Though Awra Amba could claim only 19 members when Nuru founded it, the thriving
community has received international acclaim in recent years. It has also been the
subject of several documentary films.

“I regard it as the model for the world
community on how gender issues should be
treated,” said EU Ambassador to Ethiopia
Tim Clarke in a Christian Science Monitor

report. “I have come across nothing else
like it anywhere in Africa—and indeed the
world. I am using it to inspire the work of
my office here on gender mainstreaming
and empowerment of women.”

“These people have developed their own
values and we know all members observe these values voluntarily,” said Zelalem
Getachew, a spokesperson for the Amhara Regional State Women’s Affairs Bureau.

Though the commune’s social success is evident, it has had its share of the poverty
that plagues surrounding rural villages. Because much of their forty-three acres is
unfertile, community members cannot make a living by farming. Instead, they sell
woven items made with both modern and traditional weaving machines. They also
possess three donated grinding mills, which bring in additional income.

Weaving is typically associated with women and the lower class in Ethiopia, but men
and women work together at Awra Amba’s plant. Nuru stresses the importance of

manual labor and craft skills while ensuring that each member of the community
learns to read and write as well, though he never did.

The residents hope to raise money to install a sewage system, pave the roads, and
expand the community. In the meantime, anyone can take a tour.

“I was completely captivated by my visit to the community,” said Clarke.

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