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This programme involves supporting orphan girls between the ages of 3 and 18 years old by providing shelter, food, sanitary products, education materials and schooling.
Left with no-one to turn to, these girls would grow up on the streets, vulnerable to all forms of abuse, without education and little motivation or sense of hope. Education is difficult to obtain in Ethiopia for both adults and children alike, but this is particularly the case for young girls.
As the families are poor, they are usually expected to stay at home to help with the daily chores. This will often involve fetching water over long distances. This is not only bad for their long-term health (because of the heavy weight they carry while young) but it also means that they do not have time to go to school. Sadly many of these children are also orphaned due to the high prevalence of AIDS. LUCIA and its partners want to be there for as many of these children as we can and to give them the chance that they deserve. With an education they can help themselves and others; they become motivated, empowered and the impact that this has can help to change their entire future.
LUCIA also provides occasional support for Little Voice, an NGO that runs a programme providing safe shelter for street children in Ethiopia. They also run a school and provide exciting activities for the children at their summer camps. The children really enjoy themselves and are educated at the same time. It is hoped that the school can be expanded in the near future to accommodate more children. The children have usually had a tragic start in life and Little Voice helps them to move the focus from their unfortunate past, into a brighter, safer and more positive future.
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Sunday, 13 March 2011 17:27 |
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On our recent trip to Ethiopia we made a return visit to see Melat Zewudu and Mahder Yirrga. Melat is now 16 years of age and Mahder is 12. They are cousins and have been supported by LUCIA for the past three and a half years. Both are classed as Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVC); they live with their grandmother Thehaynesh, who has no idea of her age. She guesses she is somewhere between 60 and 70 years.
The girls both lost their fathers some years ago and their mothers left them with their granny while they sought work in one of the Arab countries. The girls have no idea which country their mothers went to. They do know that Melat’s mother died years ago but they have no information regarding Mahder’s mother.
The living conditions for the girls is very poor, as their home is very small (16’ x 12’ approx) and has to accommodate five adults and the two girls. They have no windows, running water or toilet facilities.
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Last Updated on Monday, 16 May 2011 21:03 |
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Tuesday, 27 October 2009 21:01 |
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Where to start? We’ve all seen the pictures on TV and in magazines of orphanages where babies lie in cots craving stimulation and someone’s arms around them, giving the much wanted love all humans need.
Although LUCIA has no connection with the Kidane Mehret orphanage, Steve, Denise and I decided to take the opportunity to visit and learn more about the problems facing Ethiopia. This orphanage, situated on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, is run by two committed nuns both over the age of 70 who work hard to help and support 200 children.
The rain was hammering down as we walked into the compound of the orphanage and the concrete yard, struggling to drain the water, was rapidly turning into a swimming pool. A kind faced elderly nun greeted us warmly and invited us into her room which was basic and held no unnecessary comforts. She told us a few very sad stories of young children who’d come into their care and the problems they faced. Amongst the 200 children the orphanage held, there were approximately 30 abandoned babies who local support staff changed and fed in a conveyor belt fashion.
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Last Updated on Thursday, 29 October 2009 13:48 |
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Friday, 21 May 2010 18:24 |
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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.
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Last Updated on Saturday, 05 June 2010 20:01 |
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Saturday, 26 September 2009 18:34 |
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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.
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Last Updated on Monday, 09 November 2009 21:45 |
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Here's Degefa's story...
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