In arid Durame, Ethiopia, organizations had drilled six times for clean water, without success. When World Vision arrived to attempt, the people might have said not to bother, since everyone else had failed. Instead they said, “We must pray and fast, and the Lord will bring us water.” Prayer made all the difference.
Why World Vision is in Ethiopia
Due to conflict in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, sponsors who have children in the Asegede Tsimbila or Gulomekada communities may experience delays in communication from their sponsored child. Wherever safe to do so, our work in the field will continue.
In 2019, a severe invasion of locusts in four regions of Ethiopia consumed more than 2.86 billion pounds of vegetation, including staple crops. The country was also devastated by the crash of an Ethiopian Airlines plane that resulted in the deaths of 157 people. The government survived a failed coup d’etat, but in the process, the army chief and top regional leaders were killed. And fighting between the government and armed groups continued to displace families.
Meanwhile, Ethiopians broke a world record by planting over 350 million trees in 12 hours, and Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed received a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to resolve the border conflict with Eritrea.
The generosity of World Vision sponsors impacted more than 8 million Ethiopian children and families in 2019 with food and nutrition, education, clean water, sanitation and hygiene, and healthcare. Programs helped improve the livelihoods of farmers, lower neonatal death rates, and create more access to nutritious food and sustainable income for nearly 600,000 people in rural communities. And, more than 2.4 million displaced families and refugees were supported with essential supplies.
We never give up on people
World Vision child sponsorship looks at all the things that prevent children from surviving and thriving in their community, and then works with that community to bring all the pieces of the puzzle together to build a better life for all children. For sponsors, it’s a personal way to show God’s love to a child in need in a life-changing way.
Sponsor a child in Ethiopia ❯
Progress in Ethiopia
Thanks to the generous support of donors, we’re making great progress toward the well-being of children and their families.
Child Protection and Care
Boys and girls are safe and valued, well cared for by their families, and participating in their communities as agents of transformation.
- Through training sessions, kids, parents, and community members are learning about children's rights, how to identify abuse, and how to report violations of children's rights to keep kids safe.
Healthy Children and Families
Children and families are well nourished, protected from infection and disease, and have access to essential health services.
- Children are safer from diseases after new latrines were built in several communities and community members were trained in good hygiene practices such as hand washing.
- More than 20,000 people now have access to clean water after new water systems were installed near their homes and schools.
Education for Better Lives
Children have opportunities to learn and to develop their talents, young people are equipped for the future, and families and communities support children's education.
- Children can learn in better environments after classrooms were renovated and schools received resources such as new latrines and books. Teachers also received professional development training to equip them with better teaching methods.
- Vulnerable children who were at risk of dropping out of school received funds for school fees and necessary supplies so they can continue their education.
Prayer Requests from Ethiopia
World Vision's staff in Ethiopia are asking us to join them in prayer for the following:
For peace and stability for all people in Ethiopia, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For funding to meet increasing needs.
For World Vision staff to be encouraged in their commitment to transforming communities.
News from Ethiopia
From the Field
Ethiopia’s Tigray conflict: Facts, FAQs, and how to help
In northern Ethiopia, the war-torn Tigray region is facing a dire humanitarian crisis as ongoing conflict drives children and families from homes and deeper into despair. Learn what World Vision is doing to help affected children and families.
Change Makers
Through the decades, 7 miracle moments
World Vision celebrates moments in its 70-year history when staff glimpsed God’s hand in key breakthroughs, resulting in life-saving impact. Seven stand out.
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