Azmeraw Zeleke has turned old war-time waste into usable espresso machines.

In his workshop in Mekele, just 120 km from Ethiopia's border with Eritrea, Azmeraw Zeleke is turning burnt-out shells into cylinders used in coffee machines.

Most of the shells are left over from the 1998-2000 war between the two countries.

The workshop is made up of three quite small ramshackle rooms that lead from one to another with sunlight coming through the gaps, but it is a hive of activity for Mr Azmeraw and his six staff.

Coffee serves a special purpose in Ethiopia's economy and family well-being.  Using these old mortar shells from the war between Eritrea and Ethiopia from 1998 - 2000 shows that the people can overcome the violence and become at peace.

Coffee is a major export from Ethiopia and plays a big role in life.

After meals, the traditional coffee ceremony allows family and friends to get together to share news and discuss the issues of the day.

Read the full article here.

[via Kevin Kelly -- Street Use]