Projects in Ethiopia

Ethiopia, a land that evokes ancient stories and breathtaking landscapes, lies in East Africa and stands as one of the world's most complex and, unfortunately, poorest nations. With a population of approximately 120 million people, an estimated 30% live in extreme poverty. Here, the daily lives of some 30 million individuals, particularly women and children, are dramatically impacted by food shortages, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of access to healthcare and education. Prospects for leading a dignified life are minimal, and the infant mortality rate is extremely high. Illiteracy, widespread especially among youth and children, is another scourge affecting the entire population.

In this scenario, exacerbated by rapid urbanization that pushes thousands from rural areas to cities in search of hope, there are an estimated 3,000 street children in Soddo alone. These broken lives, often marked by family conflict, early marriage, abuse, and violence, bear witness to profound vulnerability. Girls, in particular, face an even tougher path, often rejected by their own families and forced to survive in inhumane conditions where prostitution or domestic slavery become tragic realities. Their mental health is at high risk, and physical and psychological traumas are sadly common.

It's precisely in response to this dramatic situation that, in 2018, we had the privilege of meeting Busajo NGO-ETS, an organization operating in Ethiopia since 2009, specifically in Soddo, south of Addis Ababa. A deep relationship built on trust, common goals, and a shared desire to act immediately formed with Busajo's leaders.

Since 2019, with great pride and conviction, we have been funding "The Girls' House," a pivotal project aimed at restoring human dignity and faith in the future for the girls and young women hosted at the Busajo Campus. The Campus, an oasis for social, educational, and vocational recovery, is entirely managed by Ethiopian staff and offers an integrated approach that includes:

• Reception Recovery: At the Girls House, girls find a safe haven where they are looked after day and night by educators and embark on a journey of medical, physical, psychological, and emotional recovery, essential for addressing past traumas.
• Education and Vocational Training: Depending on their age and aptitudes, girls are enrolled in local schools and have access to vocational workshops (such as baking, weaving, tailoring, soap making, carpentry, and beekeeping—the latter particularly relevant for income generation), where they acquire vital skills. Associated literacy programs ensure they gain the basic cultural tools for a self-aware and independent life.
• Prevention and Reintegration: There's a growing focus on prevention, reaching out to girls in their villages of origin before they end up on the streets. The Campus supports reunification with their families of origin or, when not possible, placement in adoptive family homes, providing constant support on their journey to independence and employment.

Busajo Campus is more than just a place of refuge; it's an investment in the future of Ethiopia's younger generations. We firmly believe that through education and training, these girls and young women can not only escape social marginalization but also become active agents of sustainable development for their communities. It's a tangible sign of how solidarity can transform lives, brick by brick.