Child Sponsorship Background from Addis Abeba, Ethiopia

SOS Children's Village Addis Abeba

The SOS Children's Village Addis Abeba was opened in 1981 in a residential district in the south west of Addis Abeba, the capital of Ethiopia. It is the third SOS Children's Village in Ethiopia. It comprises 15 family houses, a Village Director's house, accommodation for the SOS aunts (SOS aunts take care of the children when SOS mothers are on leave), a guest house, a bakery, a small shop and an administrative and service block.

Other SOS Projects in Addis Abeba

 About 120 children are taken care of on a daily basis at the SOS Nursery School, a part of the SOS Children’s Village comprising five classes. As soon as youths reach the age of about 16, they move to one of the three SOS Youth Facilities, where they are taken care of by a youth leader. Being admitted to an SOS Youth Facility means taking responsibility for themselves and is synonymous to making a big step towards independence. Being fully aware of this, SOS mothers, the Village Director and a psychologist prepare them carefully for that change. Usually, youths stay up to four years in an SOS Youth Home. They may stay longer, however, if they are looking for work, completing professional training or studying at a university.

In 1997, the SOS Vocational Training and Production Center Kality was set up in the suburbs of Addis Abeba. Interested youths from all over Ethiopia may undergo a three-year high-grade professional training in carpentry, car mechanics and metal work at the Training Centre. The education at the SOS Vocational Training and Production Centre Kality aims at providing Ethiopian youths with a sound academic training combined with a trade which helps to secure their future independence.

In 1998, the SOS Social Centre (Day Care Centre) was opened in a suburb of Addis Abeba called Keranyo. More than 150 children are being cared for there at the moment. The SOS Social Centre also provides help to children from extremely poor families in order to enable them to attend governmental schools which they would be unable to do without the financial help provided by the SOS Social Centre.

In the very same year, the SOS Medical Centre was opened. It includes a treatment room, a medicine room and side rooms. Approximately 12,000 people receive medical treatment at the SOS Medical Centre every year.

Background to Addis Abeba

Addis Abeba is both the capital city and largest city of Ethiopia.  Due to its historical, diplomatic and political significance to the continent, it is sometimes referred to as the 'African Capital'. Rural to urban migration has led to an influx of people into the city.  Recent efforts by the government and Non Governmental Organizations have helped to proviode education and jobs to these newcomers.