Kirsty, LUCIA's placement in Ethiopia, sent us this lovely story...

Saturday 26th September 2009 was the religious Meskel celebration for many Orthodox Ethiopians. The holiday marks the discovery of the 'true cross' and it is usually celebrated by family gatherings at which large bonfires are lit and special meals are eaten.

Little Voice Foundation celebrated in style with their own bonfire set up and a feast of celebratory food. When I arrived I was immediately summoned to the kitchen where I was shown the special meal of Doro Wat (spicy chicken stew) and the famous Ethiopian Injera (pancake staple) being made. The cooks at the home are very accommodating and they make enough food to allow for extra guests if they come.

We ate the delicious meal they had prepared after all the children had settled and washed their hands. It was great to see people feeding each other food from their plate, as it's a sign you love someone and care for them. These children have special bonds between themselves and the staff who work at the home and you almost forget that sometimes these are the only people they know and trust as family.

With the money raised through our fundraising events and donations, LUCIA makes a contribution to Little Voice each year. Little Voice is a house in Addis Ababa that is a heaven for Street Children. Run by a remarkable young Canadian woman called Jenna, the organisation makes sure all the children who stay at the house are fed three meals a day, are clothed and attend school.

LUCIA felt this story went some way to illustrate why we – the LUCIA team - are doing what we do. Having made a couple of visits to the house myself to see Jenna and the children, I believe not one penny is wasted. When entering the compound I was immediately struck at how peaceful the enclosure was, with grass, trees and the sound of children laughing. The LUCIA team would like to do more as we believe every child in the world should live in such safety.