BRENNA'S HOPE - Ethiopia

We have decided to call our work in Ethiopia "Brenna's Hope", as it characteristically fits for the work we anticipate being involved in. We do not foresee establishing a home similar to that in Ukraine, because it is not as consistent with cultural ideas and practice in Ethiopia. Our emphasis will be on supporting vulnerable teens, children, and families, while attempting to maintain existing family structures. This is "hope" that we can provide! There are some possibilities for supporting "created families", but we see our work there evolving over time.

While there, Rich met with numerous individuals and organizations already working on projects or with interest in developing projects. We anticipate working in several different areas of the country, and with a variety of humanitarian and church groups. The need is tremendous everywhere, at times overwhelming, because everyone is seeking help and support. Our challenge will be seeking discernment in how we can use resources most effectively to create the maximum benefit - not to create dependency and a feeling of entitlement, but to work strategically in situations where support, training, and rehabilitation can help to break seemingly hopeless cycles of poverty. Again, we believe our call is not to address the whole problem, but to make the differences in as many lives as possible through the support we raise.

Our Ethiopia work has begun!

We are working with a local non-government organization (NGO) in Northern Ethiopia to provide monthly support for vulnerable high school girls to complete their education. In this region of Ethiopia, many of these girls walk two hours or more EACH WAY to attend high school. This means they face dangers while walking in darkness, and also makes it difficult for them to complete their studies. Consequently they may drop out of school and are frequently used as wives for arranged marriages, even as young as ages 13 to 17. If this happens and they become pregnant, they face challenges with childbirth because their bodies are not fully developed. This may result in a condition known as fistula. We anticipate working directly with fistula victims for pre- and post-surgical support and training through the NGO and the Hamlin Fistual Center. 

Our initial work, though, focuses on PREVENTION-keeping these girls in school and helping them learn about the importance of finishing their education. We are initially providing for support for 10 girls at $25 per month, which enables them to live closer to school, or to take transportation to school, minimizing the time they spend walking on roads. Potentially vulnerable girls are selected through the high schools and then go through a prioritized selection process by the province Women and Children's Services.

Here are two girls Rich met that are already participating in the program through the local NGO: