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The reality in Ethiopia is that many don’t have access to the basic facilities that many of us take for granted, including water, shelter and sanitation. Against this backdrop it is very difficult for people to work themselves out of poverty as they face a daily struggle to simply survive. By providing for basic needs, a platform for progress and development is given.
Today (19/10/07) we visited one of our partner projects who strongly advocate this approach and are working in some of the poorest kebeles in Addis Ababa, dramatically improving basic living conditions. We were taken to a number of new houses and community facilities that have been constructed using Ethiopiaid’s funding and were able to meet and talk with the beneficiaries living there, most were either elderly or disabled.
Simple facilities such as community latrines, kitchens and homes are making a dramatic impact on people’s lives. In 2007, Ethiopiaid also provided funding for a new truck for the project to transport building materials. Previously this was all done using mules or simple manpower – they are now able to expand the reach of the areas they can work in and provide construction solutions faster and more efficiently so that more can be helped.
We have now come to the end of what has been a very successful visit to Ethiopia. We have been extremely impressed by the work being done by our partner projects and have also identified several key areas in which the kind support of our donors will enable us to make real change for the better. On behalf of all our partner projects – we thank you!
Friday, November 9, 2007
Giving hope to those in need
Yesterday (16/10/07), we visited the Hope Enterprises Street Children’s Breakfast where every day 630 children receive a nutritious breakfast and informal schooling, funded by Ethiopiaid. As we walked down the steps into the canteen, we were met with cheers, smiles, laughing and curious stares. The aim is to eventually enroll each child into formal education at which time they are given uniforms and their school fees are paid for.
The project also runs a school and vocational training college which we were taken to next before returning to the kitchens for the lunch put on for Addis Ababa’s homeless. We were shown the queues in the street outside where crowds patiently waited for their sitting – the elderly first, then women and children followed by the men. In the afternoon, we were taken to the site of the new Hope University, partially funded by Ethiopiaid. The long rainy season has now ended and work is progressing well.
Today, we visited the House of Angels Hospice for the sick and dying who simply have nowhere else to go - many are brought there by complete strangers having been found in the street. The sheer volume of people at the hospice is striking with patients spilling out of wards crammed full of beds. The nuns who run the hospice work tirelessly to provide treatment where possible or to allow those who pass away to do so peacefully and with dignity.
A short drive took us to the orphanage for children who have lost their parents to HIV – most are HIV positive themselves. The orphanage has a school where everyday the 430 young children who live there are taught and cared for. It is a surprisingly happy place and again we were greeted with smiles and hugs from all the children.
The orphanage has undergone a lot of change in recent years since Anti Retroviral drugs were made available without charge in Ethiopia. Whereas before most of the children weren’t expected to survive until their teens, now they are surviving beyond that and the nuns help the children to learn skills which they can use should they wish to leave the orphanage. Construction of a new clinic has also been completed where the children will receive treatment. It will also act as a research facility using the data collected – this will be invaluable in Ethiopia’s fight against the virus.
The project also runs a school and vocational training college which we were taken to next before returning to the kitchens for the lunch put on for Addis Ababa’s homeless. We were shown the queues in the street outside where crowds patiently waited for their sitting – the elderly first, then women and children followed by the men. In the afternoon, we were taken to the site of the new Hope University, partially funded by Ethiopiaid. The long rainy season has now ended and work is progressing well.
Today, we visited the House of Angels Hospice for the sick and dying who simply have nowhere else to go - many are brought there by complete strangers having been found in the street. The sheer volume of people at the hospice is striking with patients spilling out of wards crammed full of beds. The nuns who run the hospice work tirelessly to provide treatment where possible or to allow those who pass away to do so peacefully and with dignity.
A short drive took us to the orphanage for children who have lost their parents to HIV – most are HIV positive themselves. The orphanage has a school where everyday the 430 young children who live there are taught and cared for. It is a surprisingly happy place and again we were greeted with smiles and hugs from all the children.
The orphanage has undergone a lot of change in recent years since Anti Retroviral drugs were made available without charge in Ethiopia. Whereas before most of the children weren’t expected to survive until their teens, now they are surviving beyond that and the nuns help the children to learn skills which they can use should they wish to leave the orphanage. Construction of a new clinic has also been completed where the children will receive treatment. It will also act as a research facility using the data collected – this will be invaluable in Ethiopia’s fight against the virus.
Changing lives through simple operations
One of the most frustrating realities of healthcare in Ethiopia is that so much suffering could be relieved through relatively simple procedures which are just not available. It is estimated that there is currently just one doctor per approximately 100,000 of the population and many of these work in private clinics which few can afford. Those living in remote areas stand little chance of being able to access healthcare which is both a cause of many conditions and the reason why many are left untreated.
This is not the case at the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital where lives are being transformed every day. Every year they are able to cure over 1000 women who have sustained horrific birthing injuries, leaving them incontinent. Many are shunned by their family and community because of the offensive smell. All that is needed to relieve the suffering of many of these women is a simple operation - many are able to return home with a smile on their face and dignity restored. During our visit to the Hospital, we were delighted to see that the new Midwifery training college is very near completion. Students will be encouraged to return to their local rural areas as a means of increasing access to maternal healthcare and trained birthing attendants in these remote regions which will help to prevent fistula injuries from occurring in the first place – an exciting move in the effort to eradicate fistula from Ethiopia once and for all.
Since our last post, we have also visited the Menagesha Home on the outskirts of Addis Ababa. This is a rehabilitation centre for children who are unable to walk, often as a result of contracting polio at a young age. They receive corrective surgery and intensive physiotherapy and walking aids where necessary, the aim being that each child be able to walk home. We were treated to an afternoon’s entertainment with the children performing traditional Ethiopian song and dance and we were shown the arts and crafts which they are encouraged to learn also. It is an extremely happy place which is remarkable given the considerable pain that many of the children are in due to their treatment. The on-site workshop is currently been extended to increase the number of walking aids being made, including prosthetic limbs which the centre has begun to offer to amputees and landmine victims.
This is not the case at the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital where lives are being transformed every day. Every year they are able to cure over 1000 women who have sustained horrific birthing injuries, leaving them incontinent. Many are shunned by their family and community because of the offensive smell. All that is needed to relieve the suffering of many of these women is a simple operation - many are able to return home with a smile on their face and dignity restored. During our visit to the Hospital, we were delighted to see that the new Midwifery training college is very near completion. Students will be encouraged to return to their local rural areas as a means of increasing access to maternal healthcare and trained birthing attendants in these remote regions which will help to prevent fistula injuries from occurring in the first place – an exciting move in the effort to eradicate fistula from Ethiopia once and for all.
Since our last post, we have also visited the Menagesha Home on the outskirts of Addis Ababa. This is a rehabilitation centre for children who are unable to walk, often as a result of contracting polio at a young age. They receive corrective surgery and intensive physiotherapy and walking aids where necessary, the aim being that each child be able to walk home. We were treated to an afternoon’s entertainment with the children performing traditional Ethiopian song and dance and we were shown the arts and crafts which they are encouraged to learn also. It is an extremely happy place which is remarkable given the considerable pain that many of the children are in due to their treatment. The on-site workshop is currently been extended to increase the number of walking aids being made, including prosthetic limbs which the centre has begun to offer to amputees and landmine victims.
National Holiday declared!
Last night, Friday 12th October (today) was declared a National Holiday in Ethiopia in celebration for the end of Ramadan. The skyline of Addis was alight with fireworks, mainly from the celebrations underway at the Sheraton Hotel which was built by Sheik Al-Amoudi. In Ethiopia, approximately half of the population is Christian and the remainder Muslim - but there is relatively little tension between the two. So much so, the entire population celebrates religious holidays regardless of their own faith. In Addis everything grinds to a halt!
However, we continued our visits with a trip to the Black Lion Hospital, the largest teaching hospital in Ethiopia, where patients are treated by the hard working staff regardless of what day it is. We visited the site for the new hospital kitchen which is being constructed using funds from Ethiopiaid. The existing kitchen is currently covered in thick black mould as the ventilation system no longer works, posing a major hygiene risk.
The construction is being project managed by two building experts from the Netherlands who Ethiopiaid have worked with on other projects, including the new Hope University. They have very kindly agreed to undertake this project free of charge and have asked only that we make a contribution to a charity in Addis which provides food and shelter for the homeless – a very worthy cause indeed.
However, we continued our visits with a trip to the Black Lion Hospital, the largest teaching hospital in Ethiopia, where patients are treated by the hard working staff regardless of what day it is. We visited the site for the new hospital kitchen which is being constructed using funds from Ethiopiaid. The existing kitchen is currently covered in thick black mould as the ventilation system no longer works, posing a major hygiene risk.
The construction is being project managed by two building experts from the Netherlands who Ethiopiaid have worked with on other projects, including the new Hope University. They have very kindly agreed to undertake this project free of charge and have asked only that we make a contribution to a charity in Addis which provides food and shelter for the homeless – a very worthy cause indeed.
Breaking the Silence
Women’s Healthcare in Ethiopia is often overlooked with medical care being prioritized to men and children. All too often, women are suffering, or even dying, because their condition has gone untreated or undiagnosed.
Ethiopiaid recently partnered with a new project which aims to provide a lifeline for women in Addis Ababa with dedicated screening and treatment facilities for female healthcare only. This service will be available to all regardless of wealth or background. We visited the new premises and were extremely impressed by the standard of the clinic which was clean, well equipped and already seeing patients. The clinic is currently focusing on cervical cancer and they hope to use their treatment records to collate invaluable data on the prevalence of cervical cancer in Ethiopia and on how effective the use of a vaccine would be (by identifying the most common types of HPV – the virus which can cause the disease).
On the same day, we also visited a project in the Merkato district of Addis which operates a drop in centre for young girls who have been involved in prostitution. Everyday, more and more young people migrate to Addis in search of opportunity. Many are uneducated and have no accommodation or money and their desperation is often exploited.
The project is taking an integrated approach to tackling this problem. Activites include campaigning for child rights through to a weekly street theatre, performed by those who visit the centre, to educate communities on issues including pregnancy, forced marriage and HIV. The drop in centre itself is a training facility for domestic work including cooking, cleaning and childcare. The aim of this is to provide skills to those who have escaped child prostitution so that they are able to generate a sustainable income through employment in local hotels and houses. We were invited to watch the street theatre in rehearsal followed by an enormous meal of international food which was prepared by the cookery class taking place – delicious!
Ethiopiaid recently partnered with a new project which aims to provide a lifeline for women in Addis Ababa with dedicated screening and treatment facilities for female healthcare only. This service will be available to all regardless of wealth or background. We visited the new premises and were extremely impressed by the standard of the clinic which was clean, well equipped and already seeing patients. The clinic is currently focusing on cervical cancer and they hope to use their treatment records to collate invaluable data on the prevalence of cervical cancer in Ethiopia and on how effective the use of a vaccine would be (by identifying the most common types of HPV – the virus which can cause the disease).
On the same day, we also visited a project in the Merkato district of Addis which operates a drop in centre for young girls who have been involved in prostitution. Everyday, more and more young people migrate to Addis in search of opportunity. Many are uneducated and have no accommodation or money and their desperation is often exploited.
The project is taking an integrated approach to tackling this problem. Activites include campaigning for child rights through to a weekly street theatre, performed by those who visit the centre, to educate communities on issues including pregnancy, forced marriage and HIV. The drop in centre itself is a training facility for domestic work including cooking, cleaning and childcare. The aim of this is to provide skills to those who have escaped child prostitution so that they are able to generate a sustainable income through employment in local hotels and houses. We were invited to watch the street theatre in rehearsal followed by an enormous meal of international food which was prepared by the cookery class taking place – delicious!
Disability - fighting back!
Disability in Ethiopia is highly discriminated against with little understanding as to the underlying causes and some still believing it to be a curse from God. The situation has been perpetuated by a lack of integration between those with disabilities and their able-bodied peers meaning that the taboo has remained.
Day two (09/10/2007) saw us visit two of our partner projects who are committed to change in this area, by enabling access to mainstream education for those with disabilities and promoting integration.
In the morning we visited a vocational college where young people with disabilities are being given new skills through which they can go onto generate their own sustainable incomes. Subjects include electronics, IT, woodwork, metal work, sewing and leather work. Many of the students go on to run their own businesses and are helped with start up capital provided by the project. Others go into work placements in established businesses which the project helps to organize. We visited one ex-student who is profoundly deaf - she now works making traditional Ethiopian dress in a local tailoring firm and very much enjoying putting her news skills into practice.
In the afternoon, we visited Addis Ababa University. Some years ago, Ethiopiaid provided funds to network the University with a new IT system, with particular attention paid to ensuring access was made available to students with disabilities. There is now a dedicated computer laboratory with specialist equipment for this purpose on the university campus. We met with a partially sighted student who is now undertaking a second degree in Social Work having completed her first degree in Law. She is working closely with the University president to campaign on the rights of those with disabilities which is an area the university is fully committed to. Plans are currently underway to modernise all campus buildings to ensure accessibility for all – it is hoped that this will act as an example to other higher education institutes in Ethiopia.
Day two (09/10/2007) saw us visit two of our partner projects who are committed to change in this area, by enabling access to mainstream education for those with disabilities and promoting integration.
In the morning we visited a vocational college where young people with disabilities are being given new skills through which they can go onto generate their own sustainable incomes. Subjects include electronics, IT, woodwork, metal work, sewing and leather work. Many of the students go on to run their own businesses and are helped with start up capital provided by the project. Others go into work placements in established businesses which the project helps to organize. We visited one ex-student who is profoundly deaf - she now works making traditional Ethiopian dress in a local tailoring firm and very much enjoying putting her news skills into practice.
In the afternoon, we visited Addis Ababa University. Some years ago, Ethiopiaid provided funds to network the University with a new IT system, with particular attention paid to ensuring access was made available to students with disabilities. There is now a dedicated computer laboratory with specialist equipment for this purpose on the university campus. We met with a partially sighted student who is now undertaking a second degree in Social Work having completed her first degree in Law. She is working closely with the University president to campaign on the rights of those with disabilities which is an area the university is fully committed to. Plans are currently underway to modernise all campus buildings to ensure accessibility for all – it is hoped that this will act as an example to other higher education institutes in Ethiopia.
First Impressions
We landed in Addis Ababa at 1am on Monday morning (October 8th 2007). Under darkness from the air, it looked like any other large city – a sprawling mass of lights. It wasn’t until we left to visit our first partner project that day that we were able to see the reality of living in Addis.
At first glance, it is a dusty, noisy and shambolic place. The city is divided into administrative districts called “kebeles”, each made up of a corrugated metal buildings piled haphazardly upon one another. Goats and donkeys meander lazily amongst the relentless throng of traffic, mostly made up of blue and white taxis. Many of the back roads are impassable, nothing more than dusty stone tracks filled with people. The desperate poverty of the city is shocking – the homeless lie in the street, many of them just children, and most homes are makeshift one-bedroom constructions which house entire families.
And yet there is something extremely likable about the city – it is vibrant, colourful and culturally rich with traditional Ethiopian folk dancing and singing, the entertainment of the Azmaris (minstrels) and the typical Ethiopian cuisine of injera and wat. Despite having so little, the people are generous, friendly and welcoming – yet determined when talking about the need for change in Ethiopia. You are left feeling that with such spirit this is truly possible.
The first project we visited works to enhance the living conditions of Addis’s elderly. Life expectancy in Ethiopia remains very low (approximately 49 years) and those who survive to old age are often left without any family or any means by which they may be able to support themselves. Sadly, for many this means they are forced to beg on the streets. Ethiopiaid’s partner provides a day care centre for the elderly where they receive food and are able to wash their clothes. They can take part in traditional crafts as a way of generating income such as spinning cotton and weaving cloth for “Gabi” (traditional white shawl) and floor mats. The centre also employs young volunteers who fundraise for the centre whilst also learning the crafts themselves so these skills are passed on to a new generation. The centre is an extremely happy and social place and we were impressed with their work – a great start to our trip!
At first glance, it is a dusty, noisy and shambolic place. The city is divided into administrative districts called “kebeles”, each made up of a corrugated metal buildings piled haphazardly upon one another. Goats and donkeys meander lazily amongst the relentless throng of traffic, mostly made up of blue and white taxis. Many of the back roads are impassable, nothing more than dusty stone tracks filled with people. The desperate poverty of the city is shocking – the homeless lie in the street, many of them just children, and most homes are makeshift one-bedroom constructions which house entire families.
And yet there is something extremely likable about the city – it is vibrant, colourful and culturally rich with traditional Ethiopian folk dancing and singing, the entertainment of the Azmaris (minstrels) and the typical Ethiopian cuisine of injera and wat. Despite having so little, the people are generous, friendly and welcoming – yet determined when talking about the need for change in Ethiopia. You are left feeling that with such spirit this is truly possible.
The first project we visited works to enhance the living conditions of Addis’s elderly. Life expectancy in Ethiopia remains very low (approximately 49 years) and those who survive to old age are often left without any family or any means by which they may be able to support themselves. Sadly, for many this means they are forced to beg on the streets. Ethiopiaid’s partner provides a day care centre for the elderly where they receive food and are able to wash their clothes. They can take part in traditional crafts as a way of generating income such as spinning cotton and weaving cloth for “Gabi” (traditional white shawl) and floor mats. The centre also employs young volunteers who fundraise for the centre whilst also learning the crafts themselves so these skills are passed on to a new generation. The centre is an extremely happy and social place and we were impressed with their work – a great start to our trip!
Best laid plans...
As mentioned in our previous post, representatives from Ethiopiaid arrived in Addis Ababa on the 7th October for our annual trip to visit our partner projects and assess their progress. We had planned to update the Ethiopiaid blog throughout our time there - unfortunately on arrival it was apparent that this was not going to be possible due to technical problems which prevented us from being able to access our account to make regular postings as promised.
However, we continued to keep a diary of our activities and we will be posting these shortly– many apologies to all supporters who were awaiting news!
However, we continued to keep a diary of our activities and we will be posting these shortly– many apologies to all supporters who were awaiting news!
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Hello from Ethiopiaid and welcome to our new blog!
September 12th 2007 marked the beginning of the New Millennium in Ethiopia and never has there been a better time for positive change and looking to the future. At Ethiopiaid we are committed to making sure that this is achieved.
For those of you who are not familiar with our work, Ethiopiaid is a fundraising body based in the UK which supports locally run community projects in and around Ethiopia’s capital – Addis Ababa. Founded in 1989, we have donated over £17 million to these truly deserving causes, our core aims being to enhance education, relieve poverty and to improve healthcare.
On Sunday 7th October, representatives from Ethiopiaid will be flying out to Addis Ababa to visit each of our current partner projects (and some potential new ones!). We will be keeping you up to date throughout our trip on the progress seen and on any news from our project leaders. We hope that you will find this of interest and will also encourage you to do what you can to make a difference.
For more information, please see our website: http://www.ethiopiaid.org.uk/
Deuhna Seunbetu!!
For those of you who are not familiar with our work, Ethiopiaid is a fundraising body based in the UK which supports locally run community projects in and around Ethiopia’s capital – Addis Ababa. Founded in 1989, we have donated over £17 million to these truly deserving causes, our core aims being to enhance education, relieve poverty and to improve healthcare.
On Sunday 7th October, representatives from Ethiopiaid will be flying out to Addis Ababa to visit each of our current partner projects (and some potential new ones!). We will be keeping you up to date throughout our trip on the progress seen and on any news from our project leaders. We hope that you will find this of interest and will also encourage you to do what you can to make a difference.
For more information, please see our website: http://www.ethiopiaid.org.uk/
Deuhna Seunbetu!!
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