Arada is a city district in the northern part of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The population here is estimated at 400,000. We are beginning our first relief project in this part of the city.

We are currently supporting 12 families. A total of 34 children and adolescents live in these families. Most of the children have only one parent. Some have no parents and are living with relatives. Our studies have confirmed that these families are not able to take care of themselves and these children. Our assistance is designed so that these people do not become totally dependent but help themselves.

Our services include: 

We are going to give some thought to future vocational training. Most of the children live in little huts. The families cook, live and sleep in the same room. There is no place for the children to learn and to do their homework in peace and quiet after school. Since their parents and guardians did not go to school themselves, nothing at all can be expected from them. That is why it is absolutely necessary to find a place where these children can be tutored outside their homes.

We are convinced that a good school education is what is required for these children to come out of their poverty. That is why we concentrate on their education in addition to securing their daily existence through food and clothing. We have plans for hiring two professional teachers to tutor the children in mathematics, English and one of the natural sciences from Mondays to Fridays for two hours a day.

The following table shows our financial requirements for the year 2007.