About the Website

Debre Zeit (currently Bishoftu) Magic website was intended to serve a simple purpose.  Based on an observation and questions raised by second generation product of Debre Zeit, Addesse Haile, the initial purpose was to tell a story to shed light on the how and why students who were raised in Debre Zeit in the 1950s and 1960s are high achievers. Not only academic and professional success, but also in raising family where the second generation is also doing well.

When the idea was shared with Dr. Tebabu Tesema Wubetu, he was very supportive. Unfortunately, before the website is completed, Dr. Tebabu Tessema Wubetu unexpectedly passed away. Hence, besides documenting the memories and success factors of himself and his classmates, the Debre Zeit Magic website added another important purpose of keeping the memory of Dr. Tebabu Tesema Wubetu alive.

Thus, telling his and his cohort's story as well as keeping Dr. Tebabu Tessema Wubetu's Memory alive became the main purpose of the website. The two became intertwined.

Hence, the website highlights the key contributing factors for the success of the cohort of the class of the 1970 students from Debre Zeit. It is very hard to think of the magic of Debre Zeit without thinking about Dr. Tebabu Tesema Wubetu. He completed his high school in 1970 on top of the class.

Hence, Dr. Tebabu Tesema Wubetu's success, despite modest means is a testament of a beautiful childhood that was shaped by the warm and pleasant weather, salty Lake Hora water; beautiful geography of Debre Zeit that is surrounded by crater lakes, inclusive community, high achiever role models, and supportive friends and family that created a conducive condition for the 1970 cohort of high achievers.

In this website, in addition to identifying the magic, the site will track and document high achievers from the class of 1970 who have been successful in different fields. 

What is particularly amazing is the number among the cohorts who have excelled in scientific area despite the dismal condition of the science labs and fewer books at the time. Also, this is the time when there is no internet and, hence, online materials were not widely available like today.

It looks like all is achieved as a result of hard work, determination, conducive environment, supportive teachers, positive attitude to change, and cooperative work ethics among friends and classmates. These are some of the ingredients of the magic of Debre Zeit as exemplified by Dr. Tebabu Tessema Wubetu and the cohorts of 1970.