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PROJECT ETHIOPIA: COVENANT ORPHANAGE
The presence of war, famine and disease is producing extreme poverty that has plagued the Ethiopian people for decades. Unfortunately, women and children are often the most
dramatically affected by these types of problems. The need to survive has caused a level of desperation among Ethiopian women that has led to the
highest prostitution rate in all of Africa. From early adolescence to those mature in age, them women who have been selling themselves to survive
more often than not find themselves to be pregnant or stricken with AIDS. Unable to care for themselves or their children, these desperate women
often abandon their children wherever they can, or simply leave them in a field to die. Due to this ever increasing problem, literally thousands of
children are left orphaned in the small town of Holeta alone. Moved by the plight of these children, New Covenant Church located in Addis Ababa,
capital of Ethiopia, responded to the call to care for as many of these children as their limited resources permit.
- Visit our Photo Gallary to see pictures of our last trip to Ethiopia.
- EthioKids - The website of Ethiopia Covenant Orphange
A Small Step:
In May of 2005, Covenant Orphanage in Holeta, Ethiopia was born of humble beginnings, taking in 8 children. All of the children, who's pictures are featured, have equally unique and tragic stories. Workey was found in a room, no larger than a closet, attempting to suckle from her mothers disease ridden body which had lain lifeless for four days. At one day old, Tariku was found abandoned under a tree in a field, where children are regularly left to die, being ravaged by hyenas. The children's individual circumstances cause their needs to be unique and extensive in nature. Although space and resources are currently limited to a small number of children, the orphanage hopes to one day meet the needs for as many as 250 children.
The Need:
The long term goal is to develop a secure compound to include small homes where the kids can live in family units of10-12 children. We also envision a medical clinic and a school. Currently, the living conditions at the orphanage are substandard and demand immediate attention. The infrastructure of the compound itself is in need of repair. The security fence, bathroom, and kitchen are also in need of significant repair to be brought to a fully functional level.
It is always a struggle to meet the basic needs of the children. The ongoing costs of food, clothing, medical care, staff and rent are a constant concern. We are sad to report that some of their most basic needs go unmet. While they always have food to eat and clothes on their backs, their medical needs often are left unattended. We fear nine-year-old InAlam has a sexually transmitted disease she contracted from being raped by her father, The current lack of funds makes it impossible to get accurate medical diagnosis and treatment.
After our teams recent trip to the orphanage, our research estimates show the ongoing cost of staffing, rent, building repairs and basic needs of the children to be approximately $25,000 over the next 12 months. Immediate needs include a functional kitchen to include a refrigerator, baking stoves and a kitchen table and cupboard.
Another serious concern which needs to be addressed quickly is suitable fencing for half of the orphanage; it is currently unprotected and very easy to invade thus comprising the safety of the children and staff.
In addition, the orphanage has an opportunity and a desire to purchase the land and current building at the cost of $15,000. This would eliminate rental costs and allow greater freedom to expand the orphanage in order to care for more children.
How YOU can help:
Would you prayerfully consider joining our team? Not only are you saying "yes" to helping to meet the basic needs of these children, but you are changing their lives for eternity. The success of this orphanage depends on the generous giving of people such as yourself and we need your help.
If you are interested in adopting or has any questions please contact us.
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2007 Christmas Outreach
This year our Christmas Outreach Ministry more than tripled the amount of families we were able to provide for thanks to you. With your help, we provided families with a nice Christmas dinner, clothes and gifts for the children, Bibles and prayers. It was such a privilege to see the joy and thankfulness on both the parents and children's faces as we arrived at their homes. We want you to share in that joy knowing that it happened because of YOU!!!
Dinner Benefiting Covenant Orphanage
On November 8, 2007, we held our second ever fundraiser benefiting Covenant Orphanage in Ethiopia. We were able to raise over $20,000 and are praising God!!!This was a tremendous blessing as 100% of the proceeds go directly to Covenant Orphanage. This will be instrumental in meeting the needs of caring for these children. Every penny counts as they are currentlly struggling to meet their most basic needs such as shelter, food, clothes, medical expenses, and schooling. We want to thank each and every one of you for your support; we couldn't have been successful without you.
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