Interview: Konso King Kaala Gezahegne Woldu

Thanks to @nibbytravels I had the opportunity to meet The King of the Konso tribe. It was a rainy afternoon and Nibby drove thru all types of terrain to get me there. I entered the King's compound and waited. A few minutes later Kaala (king) Gezahegne Woldu greeted me with a huge smile, firm handshake and nearly perfect English.

Kaala Gezahegne serves in the highest leadership position as The King of the 300,000 Konso people. He graduated with a degree in engineering and was working outside of his community when his father passed away and he was called to take over the reign.

We sat in his visiting area and he attended to my endless questions gracefully. I asked about technology, education, cultural preservation, tourist, photography, everything!

His answers all circled around the same theme. Balance. As someone who left his village to study, worked a full-time job in the city and has international experience - he said he wants people from his village to maintain their culture, language and lifestyle. And preservation is important. But, he understands if they want to leave and experience a more modern lifestyle. His hope is that people will do both. Live part of the time in a city to study and work. And part of the time back at home maintaining their traditions and raising a family.

Our conversation went on and on for at least an hour. And I decided to record my last question. I asked if there is one thing I could share about the Konso to the rest of the world - what would he want other people to know about his community.

His answer was simple and straightforward. Please share our photographs and information on the internet. That way people can research and learn about our community. Please include on the website where we are and how to visit us so they can come and learn something new!

Instagram might not want me to share these stories. But they need to be heard.

Thanks for reading. And as always . . . Be thoughtful. Stay kind.

♡ Alyssa

Follow along on instagram (@alyssaya) for more about Guatemala, ethical fashion, responsible travel and globally minded topics!