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This programme involves supporting orphan girls and street children between the ages of 3 and 18 years old by providing shelter, food, sanitary products, education materials and schooling. Here you will find the project details and the latest updates about the project.
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Written by Sylvia Gardiner
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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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Read more...
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Written by Sylvia Gardiner
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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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Written by Sylvia Gardiner
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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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Read more...
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Written by Sylvia Gardiner
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Thursday, 27 August 2009 19:17 |
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We walked into the compound of the Kindergarten in the Alemgena district in Ethiopia to be greeted by a picture I’ll never forget; over fifty children aged between 3 and 7 years standing in rows singing ten green bottles in English just for us. The children held bunches of green foliage with a plastic flower in each bunch, their bright faces all aglow at the very special visitors –‘us’. They also sang songs in their own language which could have been Oromo or Amharic (I’m ashamed to admit I don’t know).
After the singing the children gathered round us and presented their flowers. We walked round the three classrooms, one of which LUCIA had bought the furniture for, then on to see the play ground equipment. All the while over fifty pairs of eyes followed us round and any chance to touch us was taken.
The visit was all over so quickly and so was the feeling of being special guests. The children didn’t mind us keeping the green foliage but could they have their plastic flowers back?? Oh well, capturing their attention for a little while was great but at the end of the day children all over the world are the same. They are very busy and their friends are waiting.
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Last Updated on Saturday, 26 September 2009 18:59 |
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Read about how we support the Kindergarten
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