ETHIOPIA

2010 Childvision World of Hope Gala Project Beneficiary:  Ethiopia!

We are excited to be focusing our efforts on a long-term project in Ethiopia. There are an estimated 6 million orphans in Ethiopia – due to HIV/AIDS, poor economic conditions, periodic drought and lack of food. The economy is largely based on agriculture, which is dependent on rainfall.

Approximately 2/3 of the population is illiterate. In the city of Awassa, (the area we are currently considering a project) in the southern region of the country, classes are crowded.  The average ratio of teachers to children for primary schools is 1:81, for secondary schools it is 1:75 and several districts in Awassa do not even have schools. Many children cannot go to school because they cannot afford the cost of tuition, books and uniforms.

Our long-term goals are to provide a stable environment, healthy conditions and the opportunity for education and training for the orphans and children in need in Ethiopia. We can accomplish this through the development of a school, medical clinic, orphanage and  vocational training schools. We are currently assessing needs in the Awassa area to determine our first project.