Ethiopia

Children spend time in reading rooms and also have safe places to play, thanks to intervention by ChildFund Ethiopia and its local partners. They receive tutorial support, which helps students improve their reading, writing and math skills, while also keeping them interested in staying in school. A national survey of fourth- and seventh-graders in 2015 showed that students in ChildFund-supported schools were better able to read, comprehend and retain knowledge than their unsupported counterparts.

ChildFund and our local partners help address the needs of youth with regard to reproductive health and HIV through youth clubs, peer educators, counseling and testing. As a result, teens are having open dialogues about HIV and AIDS, female genital mutilation and gender-based violence. Our youth programs also emphasize building self-esteem and confidence, as well as civic involvement. By becoming leaders at a young age, youth are able to have brighter outlooks for the future.

This unique 30-month agricultural project combines protecting the environment with strengthening families’ economic outlook by developing sustainable agricultural livelihoods through effective natural resource management. The program trains 450 women in nine women-producer groups in business management and entrepreneurship, gender equity in natural resource management, and harmful traditional practices. In addition to the financial and in-kind benefits, the women experience the opportunity to develop their leadership abilities while engaging in the group activities and group management. The skills gained further enhance participation, commitment and decision-making in relation to natural-resource management amongst Ethiopian women.

Education in Ethiopia has been severely stunted by three decades of food insecurity and civil war. The education system has improved since the regime change in 1991, but it largely remains inadequate or simply inaccessible for most children. Class sizes are too large, and teachers are underpaid. Impoverished families are unable to pay for textbooks, school clothes and other necessities needed. Primary school attendance rates are low, about 80 percent. With secondary school attendance rates as low as 26 percent, families are less likely to emerge from generational poverty.

Ethiopian girls face even more of a challenge in receiving a proper education. They are expected to perform housekeeping duties on top of school, and marry young. With two in five girls married by 18 and one in five girls married by 15, many never get a chance for a full education. Girls who do attend school are also more vulnerable to physical violence from teachers and classmates. Overall, social pressure puts girls in Ethiopia at a significant disadvantage for education.

ChildFund has improved access to education in Ethiopia by increasing the capacity of schools and expanded libraries with much-needed books. We also work with parents and caregivers to show them the best ways to teach their children and foster healthy mental, physical and social development. Every year, we provide more than 14,000 children access to early childhood care and support. To help ensure a child in Ethiopia has access to the educational opportunities he or she needs, consider sponsoring a child today.