AUTHOR

AMCE: Automotive Manufacturing Company of Ethiopia. Back in the 1930’s Fiat introduced in Ethiopia the first truck model in history. The success lead Fiat to open assembly plant in Addis Ababa in 1970 with the collaboration of both governments at the time.

Theo Solomon, nicknamed Amiche, was born in Eritrea in the early 1970s and raised in Ethiopia during a time of transition from monarchial rule to military governance. His childhood was a tapestry woven with threads of struggle and resilience.

The nickname "Amiche" was given to him and many other Eritreans born and raised in Ethiopia from 1970 onwards. Sarcastically derived from the acronym AMCE, which referred to an Italian automotive assembly company in Addis Ababa, the name became synonymous with Eritreans like Theo—born (or "assembled") and raised in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.

In the heart of the Horn of Africa, amidst the tumultuous winds of political change, young Theo Solomon's story began. His childhood was a tapestry woven with threads of struggle and resilience.

Theo's father, Yosief, a man dedicated to civil and humanitarian service, stood as a beacon of compassion in a sea of turmoil. His mother, Hewan, with her unwavering love, provided solace amid chaos. Together, they nurtured Theo and his siblings through the uncertain landscape of their homeland.

As the shadows of communism loomed over Ethiopia and Eritrea, imposing rigid ideals on the impressionable youth, Theo and his brothers embarked on a journey marked by hardship and adventure. They traversed contrasting landscapes of poverty and luxury, experiencing the extremes of destitution and abundance.

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Amidst the relentless cycle of violence and misfortune that plagued his family, Theo emerged as a beacon of creativity and self-reliance. With ingenuity born of necessity, he crafted pathways to survival, safeguarding the lives of his loved ones in the face of adversity.

Familial and political upheavals posed stark challenges to Theo's youth, threatening to tear his family apart. Yet, with the unwavering courage of his mother and the extraordinary resilience of his father, they weathered the storms that raged around them. Their bond, fortified in the crucible of adversity, emerged unbroken and unyielding.

Theo’s journey as a young person was one of defiance against despair, a narrative of triumph over tragedy. The world bore witness to the astonishing resilience of a family that defied the odds, navigating through unfathomable trials unseen by many.

Transitioning to a new chapter in the United Kingdom, Theo carried with him the values instilled by his family and the lessons learned during their darkest hours. With a wife by his side and two teenage daughters to guide, he embarked on a journey of gratitude and service, paying forward the support and kindness extended to them in their times of need.

The legacy of Theo Solomon, born in the crucible of political upheaval and tested by the fires of adversity, shone brightly in the enduring power of hope and resilience. In a world marked by turmoil and uncertainty, his story stood as a beacon of light, illuminating the path for those who dare to tread the winding road of survival and redemption.