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Ethiopia

Compassion partnership began 1993

EST. 1993

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Salam! When you arrive in Ethiopia, you’ll be stepping into what is sometimes called the land of ‘Thirteen Months of Sunshine’, as it has 13 months in a calendar year. In its neighbourhoods, or kebeles, you’ll be welcomed with coffee. Here, coffee is not just a drink but a ritual steeped in connection, hospitality and tradition.

Population

132 M

Capital city

Addis Ababa

Local time

Current Weather

, 0°C

Distance to Australia

12,447 km
In Ethiopia, childhood is under constant threat. Families have been uprooted by natural disasters and conflict, leaving children trapped in the cycle of poverty. Parents find it hard to put food on the table and children are often sick. Nearly a third of the diseases affecting children are caused by poor sanitation and hygiene.

Poverty in Ethiopia

27%
of people live in extreme poverty
One third
of children under 5 experience stunted growth
93%
of people do not have access to adequate sanitation

Yet God's Church is on the move in Ethiopia. Our local church partners are providing nutritious food, clean water and proper toilets. With access to medical care, children’s health is improving. To make sure families are set up well for the future, youth and caregivers and learning skills that will help them earn a good income.

Compassion in Ethiopia

610
local church partners
139,520

children supported

2,507

babies and their mums supported

Impact in action

Tolosa, 1

Change is happening across Ethiopia. When it was time for Gaddise give birth to Tolosa, she didn’t have the resources to get medical help. But thanks to our local church partner, poverty did not stop her from experiencing the safe birth every mum deserves. Tolosa just celebrated his first birthday, and this year, over 2,500 healthy babies will do the same.

“Exactly last year, my pregnancy was so difficult that I had to go through surgery to give birth to my baby Tolosa. I wouldn’t have been able to get Tolosa healthy and safe if Betelhem (local church staff) and the centre were not on my side.”
Gaddise, mother to Tolosa

Move with us in Ethiopia

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Help end poverty for a child

Pray that children will receive the food they need to support their growth and development.

Pray for the survival and healing of children suffering from illnesses.

Pray that caregivers facing unemployment will be able to secure income to provide for their families.

Pray that God's provision and healing would be over people who are internally displaced as a result of conflict.

Pray that peace would prevail in Ethiopia.

Pray for your neighbours

Join local churches in bringing these requests before God.

See the stories. Feel the impact. Move with compassion.

10 May 2024
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22 Apr 2024
The Hopelessness of Hunger: Samiya’s Story
Jesus teaches in Matthew 22 that the greatest commandment is to love God and love our neighbours. Compassion is leading a local-first response to the global food crisis by partnering with over 8,600 churches working as the hands and feet of Jesus.
4 Mar 2024
Compassion Changed My Mind About Sponsorship: This Is How
Before I started my job at Compassion Australia, I wasn’t completely sure about a sponsorship model of support. So what changed my mind?
14 Dec 2023
No Lunchbox, No School: The Food Crisis in Ethiopia
“We vowed to do all we can for our children in the centre. No child should worry about missing school because they don’t have lunch. These little children deserve to be in school. They deserve to thrive,” says Centre Director Bayush.
26 Apr 2023
Audio Blog: Interview with Dr. Kapere, Malnutrition Expert
Hunger costs children’s lives. If the world doesn’t respond to the current global food crisis, the numbers will worsen. In this interview with Dr. Yona Kapere from Compassion's Health Advisory team, hear why our work with new mothers and babies is critical to fighting malnutrition.
1 Dec 2022
Marnus Labuschagne Partners with Compassion for the Global Food Crisis
The devastating reality and urgent need of the food crisis resonated with Marnus and his wife Bek. So over the 2022-2023 season, Marnus has partnered with Compassion Australia and pledged to donate 50 food packs for every half century he scores as part of the 50 for 50 campaign.
14 Apr 2022
Restored Hope Devotional: Day 4
When we put our faith in His finished work, we can be assured that our salvation is secure. We have been rescued because of God’s kindness and saved by His extravagant love displayed on the cross, not because of anything we have done but because of everything He did.
13 Apr 2022
Restored Hope Devotional: Day 3
God held nothing back from us, including the Son He loved so much. Jesus gave His perfect life as a sacrifice for our imperfect sinful lives. Through Jesus’ death on the cross, we can confidently stand before the God of the universe, both now and for eternity.
21 Feb 2022
How to Love My Neighbour Devotional: Day 2
In Jesus’ definition of neighbour, similarity, familiarity and fondness doesn’t factor in when it comes to helping someone in need. Love transcends all barriers.
29 Nov 2021
You Can Love Your Neighbour with One Small Act
Christ shared His love with us, now we can give that same gift to others. See how small acts of great love can rewrite the headlines in the lives of our neighbours.
5 Aug 2021
Poverty Explored Part 1: What is Poverty?
Poverty has a devastating impact on children, taking away their chance to learn and play, and instead leads to exploitation, violence or even death. Children are often the most vulnerable members of the community and poverty leaves them thinking that they don’t matter.
27 Feb 2021
A Story of Restoration. A Story of Hope.
It’s not often you come across a person who embodies the very essence of strength, resilience, generosity and hope. When you hear their story, you can’t help but marvel at the sheer determination to keep pushing through. To keep persevering. To keep giving. To keep loving.

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