On May 18, 2025, our team at Tena Link took a transformative step in aligning faith and digital health. We held an in-depth discussion with Deacon Alex Ane, a respected preacher and teacher from the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC). The day was filled not only with rigorous dialogue but also with meaningful connection, shared values, and Ethiopian hospitality—complete with coffee, tea, and heartfelt conversation.

This wasn’t our first engagement with the EOTC. Our journey began months earlier—on January 31, 2025—when we first sat down with two prominent Orthodox scholars: Megabi Aemere and Megabi Halie Gezie. That initial meeting was a pivotal moment, opening doors to a series of conversations about how the Church understands and teaches about women’s health, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and community well-being.

From that point forward, we organized three more rounds of consultations, seeking individuals who not only carried deep theological knowledge but were also passionate about community-centered digital education. After thoughtful exchanges and multiple reflections, we were delighted to find Deacon Alex Ane, whose wisdom, openness, and compassionate voice resonated with our mission.

On April 29, 2025, we officially welcomed Deacon Alex to the Tena Link family as a content developer and religious advisor, signing a formal agreement that marked a new chapter in our faith-inclusive work. Just a few weeks later, on May 18, we came together for our first working session as a full team.

In that meeting, we presented real-life questions and topic requests collected from users during our SRH research—questions often left unanswered due to social silence or stigma. Deacon Alex carefully listened, then offered powerful teachings rooted in Orthodox Christian doctrine. He explained the Church’s position on maternal care, menstrual dignity, child spacing, partner respect, and the moral responsibility to protect women&apos health—emphasizing that “true faith uplifts life, encourages responsibility, and brings understanding, not shame.”

What struck us most was his empathy and clarity, his ability to speak both to the heart and to the intellect, making complex spiritual concepts accessible and empowering. His guidance reinforced our belief that SRHR education and faith are not opposing forces, but partners in the effort to build a healthy, informed, and compassionate society.

After hours of dialogue, we shared traditional Ethiopian coffee and tea, surrounded by laughter, mutual respect, and a shared sense of purpose. It wasn’t just a work session—it felt like a family gathering, grounded in trust and tradition.

We are incredibly grateful to the EOTC leaders, institutions, and educators who welcomed us into this space. Their willingness to walk beside us on this journey is proof that cultural relevance and spiritual grounding can strengthen digital health work in profound ways.

As Tena Link grows, we remain committed to working across faiths, communities, and disciplines—blending technology, tradition, and trust into tools that empower girls, women, parents, and partners across Ethiopia and beyond.

Stay tuned for more faith-based educational content, and follow our journey as we continue to bridge health and holiness in the most meaningful way.